Strategic Finance Manager - Projects and Commercial in London

Overview

Bradford Finance is undergoing significant change and investment. The department is entering a new phase of development and strategic focus to support the Council's ambitious strategy and plans. A restructure has completed with four key teams: Management Accounting; Corporate and Strategic Finance; Projects, Systems and Commercial; and Internal Audit, Risk, Business Development and Improvement. The team is developing with enhanced capacity and investment in training and development. A strengthened finance team is being developed during 2025 to elevate its impact within the organisation and support the Council's strategic plans while delivering financial sustainability and the recovery programme.

The team has recently helped the Council achieve:

• The lifting of the Best Value Notice (Feb 2024) by Feb 2025, an unprecedented achievement.
• A positive CIPFA review noting progress towards financial sustainability and robust financial planning.
• Completion of the 2025/26 budget earlier than planned.
• Closure and audit sign-off of the 2022/23 and 2023/24 accounts with an unqualified opinion.
• A positive half-year report by the Council's Independent Board.

Role

The Strategic Finance Manager (Projects & Commercial) role is crucial to delivering the Council's plans and financial sustainability. The post is key to developing and providing a strategic vision for the future development of the service to meet challenges while fostering a culture of continuous improvement. This role offers the opportunity to contribute to a vibrant and diverse city.

We are looking for an exceptional individual to join our Management Accounting team in the Finance Department to lead as our Strategic Finance Manager (Projects & Commercial). The successful candidate will be expected to lead, develop and implement change management programmes to deliver continual improvement.

Responsibilities

• To manage, lead and motivate a team of staff who provide a range of specialist functions.
• Advising on major special projects, corporate and capital initiatives across all areas of the Council and related parties where appropriate.
• To support and deputise for the Assistant Director of Finance Management Accounting and Head of Management Accounting in providing professional advice on projects and commercial matters in accordance with professional standards, legislative requirements and Council policies and procedures.
• To deal with complex, sensitive and confidential matters on a regular basis and liaise directly with Elected Members and senior management, Trade Unions, senior officers and external agencies, providing professional information and advice on financial matters and control issues.
• To brief the Assistant Director of Finance Management Accounting and the Strategic Director of Corporate Resources on matters of a significant or sensitive nature in a timely manner.
• To exercise wide-ranging and extensive authority when applying professional judgement, particularly with reference to technical accounting matters relating to projects, financial management systems and compliance with established policies and procedures.
• To ensure compliance with the Council's information governance policies by ensuring access to highly confidential, personal, financial and political information, is maintained and does not allow for unauthorised disclosure of any information which would prejudice the interests of the Council.
• Develop and maintain working relationships with Elected Members, senior management and other senior officers, other Council services, external agencies and peer groups to ensure the service is at the forefront of innovation and change.
• Responsible for communicating corporate goals, values and objectives and all associated tasks relating to health and welfare of staff which will include carrying out staff appraisal, coaching and mentoring to assist with career progression and ensure staff operate within a learning culture and ensuring corporate standards are met, for example management of sickness absence.
• Prepare and present appropriate reports to senior management and Elected Members as required.
• Support the Strategic Director of Corporate Resources/S151 in the approval of reports prepared for Executive and other Committees including Corporate Overview & Scrutiny and Governance & Audit, providing advice and guidance as appropriate.
• Oversee the maintenance and good governance of the Council's current Financial Systems and oversee the migration to an upgraded financial system.

How to Apply

If you are interested in joining our team and would like further information, please contact Matthew Cooper, Assistant Director of Finance - Management Accounting, at the email Matthew.cooper2@bradford.gov.uk. The application deadline is Sunday 15 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.

Further information is available through the links below, along with the attached Job Profile and Candidate Information Pack.

Equal Opportunities

We do not discriminate against any applicant or employee on the grounds of gender, marital status, gender reassignment, pregnancy, sexual orientation, disability, race, colour, ethnic background, religion or belief, nationality or age. 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, offering opportunities to learn about diverse communities and providing added benefits and resources to its members.