At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial planning and reporting while managing a team of Principal Accountants.
- Company: Join Croydon Council, a vital part of London’s growth story.
- Benefits: Generous leave, flexible working, and unbeatable pension scheme with 20% employer contributions.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity to shape one of London’s most diverse boroughs.
- Why this job: Make a genuine impact in transforming Croydon’s financial future.
- Qualifications: CCAB/CIMA qualification or extensive local government capital finance experience required.
The predicted salary is between 66378 - 68784 € per year.
Salary range: Grade 17 (£66,378 - £68,784 p.a.) plus fantastic benefits
Contract: Permanent
Hours of work: 36 hours per week
Location: Croydon
Croydon Council has faced significant challenges in recent years in terms of its financial position. The financial challenge is steep, but the Government has noted our strong progress, with an Executive Mayor, Cabinet, Chief Executive and Corporate Management Team, who all share a commitment to the task ahead and putting Croydon’s people first. This is a very exciting time to join Croydon as we move from the recovery and improvement phases to the transformational phase of our journey to bring the Council back to financial sustainability. Croydon is a fantastic place; a vital part of London’s growth story with a strong identity in its own right and this is a rare chance to make genuine change in a place of great opportunity. What we do together over the next four years will help shape the future of one of London’s most diverse and exciting boroughs.
As a Finance Manager, you will be supporting the Director of Finance (Deputy S151 Officer) and Head of Strategic Finance (Chief Accountant), deputising when required. You will have responsibility for overseeing financial planning, monitoring and statutory reporting of capital expenditure and financing. You will also lead your team of two Principal Accountants.
To be suitable for the role you need to hold a CCAB/CIMA accountancy qualification or extensive knowledge and experience of local government capital finance. You should have evidence of successfully managing key financial capital processes (budgeting, monitoring, closing of accounts, and completion of grant and statistical returns), and have experience of working successfully as part of a professional team to deliver strong financial management advice to managers.
Benefits and personal development:
- Generous paid Annual Leave of up to 31 days (eligibility criteria applies)
- Provision to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave per year (eligibility criteria applies)
- Flexible and Agile working
- Generous sick leave, maternity leave and family leave provisions
- Unbeatable benefits of being in the Local Government Pension Scheme; which includes employer contributions of 20% (average); 'life assurance' (3 years’ salary) and benefit provisions for dependants
- Discounted season tickets for parking in local car parks or an option to cap the daily cost to less than £6
- Interest free travel loans for season tickets
- Confidential and free employee assistance programme and access to staff network groups - BAME, Working Carers, LGBT+, Women’s and Mental Health
Finance Manager (Capital) employer: Croydon Council
Croydon Council is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to the financial transformation of one of London’s most vibrant boroughs. With a strong commitment to employee well-being, generous leave policies, and a supportive work culture, staff are encouraged to grow professionally while making a meaningful impact in the community. The Council's focus on flexible working and comprehensive benefits, including a robust pension scheme, makes it an attractive place for those seeking a rewarding career in public service.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Manager (Capital)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who have experience with local government. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about the role and even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of capital finance and local government processes. We recommend practising common interview questions and having examples ready that showcase your experience in financial planning and management.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for Croydon! Research the council's recent initiatives and challenges. Being able to discuss how you can contribute to their financial sustainability will definitely make you stand out.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Manager (Capital)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Finance Manager role. Highlight your CCAB/CIMA qualifications and any relevant experience in local government capital finance. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use specific examples of how you've successfully managed financial processes like budgeting and monitoring. This will help us see the impact you've made in previous roles.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Explain why you're excited about joining Croydon Council and how you can contribute to our journey towards financial sustainability. Keep it engaging and personal – we love to see your passion!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly, and you’ll find all the details you need right there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Croydon Council
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Finance Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your expertise in financial planning and capital finance. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed budgeting and monitoring processes in previous roles.
✨Showcase Team Leadership
You'll be leading a team of Principal Accountants, so it's crucial to highlight your leadership experience. Prepare examples of how you've motivated your team, delegated tasks effectively, and fostered a collaborative environment to achieve financial goals.
✨Understand Local Government Challenges
Croydon Council is navigating significant financial challenges. Familiarise yourself with the current financial landscape and be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to their recovery and transformation efforts. Showing that you understand their context will set you apart.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions about the council's financial strategies and future plans. This not only shows your interest but also gives you a chance to assess if this role aligns with your career aspirations.
