Strategic Finance Manager

Base pay range Yorkshire Metropolitan Authority | £65,000 - 75,000 plus local government pension | Hybrid Working (1-3 days onsite) | Senior Leadership Role + Enhanced Package

Here’s your opportunity to join a major public authority’s senior leadership team and genuinely shape the financial sustainability of a £1.3 billion+ organisation serving over 540,000 residents. As Strategic Finance Manager, you’ll operate at the highest level of local government finance, working directly with Strategic Directors and the Section 151 Officer to lead the organisation's medium to long-term financial planning.

This is a role where your expertise will influence millions of pounds of investment, drive major transformation programmes, and ensure the authority can continue delivering essential services to some of the most diverse communities in the region. You’ll be part of the Finance Management Team, providing strategic oversight across departmental budgets ranging from £160m to £650m, leading complex savings programmes, and pioneering innovative approaches to financial management that go beyond current national best practice.

This isn’t about simply managing numbers—it’s about being a strategic partner who challenges, influences, and drives meaningful change.

What Sets This Role Apart

• Direct involvement in a major transformation journey—your work will have genuine, visible impact on the region
• Leading and developing a specialist finance team (3-9 professionals) whilst working alongside exceptional colleagues
• Responsibility for budgets ranging from £220m to £650m depending on your allocated department
• The autonomy to identify and implement innovative solutions, bringing cutting‑edge practice from other sectors
• Regular engagement with government departments, influencing funding allocations and policy development

You’ll be a fully‑qualified accountant (ACA or CIMA or ACCA or CIPFA) with demonstrable success at senior management level in a complex organisation. But qualifications only tell part of the story. We’re looking for someone with exceptional analytical capability who can work through complex problems, develop sophisticated financial models, and lead commercial negotiations.

You’ll understand the political landscape of local government, have the gravitas to provide high‑level advice in challenging circumstances, and possess the leadership skills to inspire and develop high‑performing teams. Most importantly, you’ll be driven by the desire to make a positive difference to public services.

Why This Organisation?

Working for this major public authority means being part of something bigger than yourself. You’ll contribute to services that genuinely matter to over 540,000 residents across one of the UK’s most diverse and vibrant districts.

Exceptional Benefits Package

• Outstanding Local Government Pension Scheme with generous employer contributions—one of the best pension schemes available
• Minimum 26 days annual leave plus bank holidays (rising to 31 days with service), with the option to purchase additional leave
• Comprehensive health and wellbeing support including occupational health services, employee assistance programme, and mental health first aiders
• Excellent professional development opportunities with support for CPD, professional subscriptions, and career progression
• Family‑friendly policies including enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption leave
• Travel benefits including season ticket loans and cycle to work scheme
• Access to local government discounts and benefits platform

The Location

The offices are centrally located in a major Yorkshire city with excellent public transport links—multiple rail stations within easy reach and regular bus services. For those who drive, affordable parking is available nearby. The location is perfectly positioned in West Yorkshire, offering affordable living costs and easy access to the stunning Yorkshire Dales, vibrant neighbouring cities, and excellent road and rail connections across the North.

The Culture

This organisation is committed to creating an inclusive, supportive environment where talented professionals can thrive. They value diversity, encourage innovation, and are genuinely invested in developing their people. You’ll work alongside passionate colleagues who are committed to public service and making a positive difference to communities.

The authority is on a transformation journey, and that means opportunities for you to shape services, influence strategy, and develop your career in ways that simply aren’t possible in smaller organisations. Whether you’re looking to specialise further or broaden your experience across different service areas, this role offers the scope and support to achieve your professional ambitions.

Seniority level Executive Employment type Full‑time Job function Accounting/Auditing Industries Staffing and Recruiting