Finance Manager - Corporate and Strategic in London

Bradford Finance has undergone significant change and investment. Having been under resourced for a number of years, it is now entering a new phase of development and strategic focus in order to support the Council's ambitious new corporate strategy and plans. A restructure has recently completed with the department now comprising four key teams: Management Accounting; Corporate and Strategic Finance; Projects, Systems and Commercial; and Internal Audit, Risk, Business Development and Improvement. The restructure includes significant additional capacity and investment in training and development.

A new service plan is being developed during 2025 with a clear strategic focus and direction including a development plan to focus on delivering financial literacy across the organisation, while at the same time, elevating the impact of the Finance team within the organisation to support and drive the Council's strategic plans whilst delivering its financial sustainability and recovery programme.

The Finance Manager (Corporate and Strategic) role is crucial to the delivery of the Council's financial planning, strategic direction and future financial sustainability. The post is key to supporting, developing and providing a strategic vision for the future development of the service to enable the council to meet its future challenges whilst fostering a culture of continuous improvement. This role is an opportunity to make a real difference in our vibrant and diverse city.

We are looking for a number of experienced Finance Managers (Corporate and Strategic) to join our dedicated team in the Finance Department. You will work closely with senior leaders within the department on specific aspects of financial planning, treasury management, cash and banking, capital or financial reporting, grants and statutory returns. The successful candidates will be expected to lead, develop and ensure implementation and review of change management programmes to deliver continual improvement.

• To direct and manage a professional accounting team in the provision of financial and management advice and information to a range of Council services, particularly in relation to Financial Statements, Financial Planning, Capital, Treasury Management and taxation.
• To positively support and deliver the vision, values and strategic objectives of the Council's services through providing constructive and timely advice on financial matters identifying innovative solutions as appropriate.
• Supporting and guiding the Head of Corporate and Strategic Finance and Director of Finance in developing and implementing a robust and sustainable medium to long term capital investment strategy, leading to a capital investment plan which is appropriately funded to secure successful delivery.
• Working on the closure of all aspects of the accounts. This will include being responsible for sections of the accounts, production of quality working papers and liaising with external auditors. The post holder will also be required to quality review other elements of the Statement of Accounts and have an understanding of the whole closure of accounts process.
• Ensure the Council follows all statutory and professional accounting regulations and keeps abreast of all new requirements.
• Anticipate and identify key financial issues and risks affecting the business which require attention, resolve issues with Senior Managers and identify mitigating actions to ensure net expenditure is within budget.
• Be an effective liaison point between the Management Accounting team and Government Departments to ensure completion of all statutory returns.
• Manage financial modelling of new services or changes to existing services including impact from specific legislation/policy changes, assess implications for the Council.
• Provide support (guidance, encouragement, challenge and advice) to Budget Managers during budget preparation, monthly monitoring, year-end and closure of accounts - helping them to understand the financial information required and processes to be followed.
• The postholder will be expected to deputise for the Strategic Finance Manager on all finance related matters and other matters within their areas of expertise as required.
• The postholder will be required to substitute or deputise for other Finance Managers within the team as required.

If you are interested in joining our team and would like some further information, please contact:

Jag Sohal, Strategic Finance Manager - Financial Planning and Accounting email: jag.Sohal@bradford.gov.uk, or Lynsey Simenton, Strategic Finance Manager - Capital and Treasury email: lynsey.simenton@bradford.gov.uk or Celia Yang, Head of Corporate and Strategic Finance on 07977 814829 or email: Celia.Yang@Bradford.gov.uk

The application deadline is Sunday 1 February; however, as the role is advertised across multiple recruitment platforms, we may close the vacancy early if a sufficient number of applications is received.

We do not discriminate against any applicant or employee directly or indirectly on the grounds of gender, marital status, gender re-assignment, pregnancy, sexual orientation, disability, race, colour, ethnic background, religion or belief nationality or age. And, as an equal opportunities employer, the Council strives to employ the best qualified people from a diverse range of applicants. The RESPECT Allyship Programme is available to all staff, which offers the opportunity to learn more about the diverse communities & groups and provides added benefits and resources to its members.