At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial planning and support decision-making for local government services.
- Company: Join Harrow Council, a diverse and ambitious local authority.
- Benefits: Inclusive workplace, career development, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Collaborative environment focused on continuous improvement and high standards.
- Why this job: Shape the future of local government finance with your expertise.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified CCAB accountant with experience in financial management.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
Are you a qualified finance professional with strong business partnering skills and experience of supporting complex public sector services? Harrow Council is seeking an experienced and proactive Finance Manager to join the Finance Division and play a key role in supporting the delivery of the Council’s financial strategy, medium-term financial planning and financial sustainability.
Reporting to the Head of Finance, you will provide high-quality financial advice, challenge and support to Directors, Heads of Service and budget holders across a designated service area. Acting as a trusted business partner, you will help services achieve their objectives while ensuring sound financial management, robust governance and value for money. The role will lead on financial planning, budget monitoring, forecasting and financial reporting, supporting both revenue and capital programmes. You will provide independent scrutiny of financial forecasts and business cases, challenge assumptions, identify risks and opportunities, and ensure that financial information supports effective decision-making across the organisation.
You will also play a leading role in corporate financial activities, including budget setting, financial monitoring, year-end processes, statutory returns and the development of the Council’s Medium-Term Financial Strategy. In addition, you will contribute to transformation programmes, system improvements and cross-council projects that strengthen financial management and support organisational improvement.
This is an excellent opportunity for a finance professional who enjoys working collaboratively with senior stakeholders, influencing decision-making and helping to shape the future of local government services through sound financial leadership.
At Harrow, we are proud to be a diverse, ambitious and resident-focused council. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where our people can thrive, develop their careers and make a meaningful difference to the communities we serve. In return, you will have the opportunity to work alongside talented professionals, contribute to important corporate priorities, support our climate ambitions and help shape the future of local government finance. If you are looking for a rewarding role where your expertise will be valued and your contribution recognised, we would love to hear from you.
You will be a fully qualified CCAB accountant with significant experience in financial management, business partnering and providing strategic financial advice within a complex organisation. Ideally, you will have a strong understanding of local authority finance, including budgeting, medium-term financial planning, capital programmes and the wider legislative framework. You will be confident working with senior leaders and elected members, offering constructive challenge and influencing decision-making through clear financial insight and professional advice.
A collaborative and proactive leader, you will be committed to developing others, driving continuous improvement and ensuring high standards of financial governance, accountability and customer-focused service delivery.
We are looking for someone who has:
- A recognised CCAB professional accountancy qualification, supported by ongoing professional development and a commitment to continuous learning.
- Strong knowledge of local government financial management, including budget setting, financial monitoring, medium-term financial planning, capital financing and statutory financial requirements.
- Proven experience in a finance management or business partnering role, providing robust financial advice, supporting transformation programmes, managing financial risks and contributing to year-end accounts and audit processes.
- Excellent analytical, numerical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex financial information, produce high-quality reports and support effective decision-making.
- Outstanding stakeholder management and communication skills, with the confidence to build trusted relationships, influence senior stakeholders and promote sound financial management across the organisation.
For more information, please refer to the Role Profile/ Selection Criteria.
Finance Manager employer: Harrow Council
Harrow Council is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering an inclusive work culture that prioritises the growth and development of its employees. As a Deafblind & Multi-Sensory Inclusion Advisor, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and young people while benefiting from comprehensive training and support in a collaborative environment. Located in London, the council offers unique advantages such as access to diverse resources and a commitment to community engagement, making it a rewarding place to work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Manager
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Harrow Council. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Harrow Council.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Harrow Council's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Harrow Council
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Harrow Council.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Harrow Council will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Harrow Council employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
