At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and management for the Housing Revenue Account.
- Company: Join the diverse and ambitious London Borough of Harrow.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, and a chance to make a difference.
- Other info: Collaborative environment focused on continuous improvement and service excellence.
- Why this job: Shape the future of local government finance and support community services.
- Qualifications: Qualified finance professional with local government experience.
The predicted salary is between 56700 - 69300 £ per year.
London Borough of Harrow is seeking an experienced and strategically minded Finance Manager (Housing Revenue Account) to play a key role in supporting the financial sustainability and future development of its Housing Service. Reporting to the Head of Finance, you will provide expert financial leadership, business partnering and strategic advice across the Housing Revenue Account (HRA), ensuring robust financial management and compliance within one of the Council’s most significant service areas.
This is a pivotal role, responsible for supporting the delivery of the Council’s Housing financial strategy, overseeing the HRA revenue and capital budgets, and maintaining the long-term financial viability of the 30-year HRA Business Plan. Working closely with Housing Services, Directors, Heads of Service and elected Members, you will provide high-quality financial insight and challenge to support informed decision-making, effective resource allocation and the delivery of excellent services for tenants and leaseholders.
The role encompasses a broad range of responsibilities including:
- HRA financial planning
- Rent and service charge setting
- Capital investment programmes
- Business plan modelling
- Financial reporting
- Statutory accounting and year-end processes
You will play a leading role in ensuring compliance with the statutory HRA ring-fence, safeguarding the integrity of housing finances and ensuring that resources are applied appropriately and effectively.
As a trusted finance business partner, you will contribute to major housing projects, transformation programmes and service improvements, while also supporting wider corporate finance activities and driving continuous improvement across financial management practices.
About You: You will be a qualified finance professional with substantial experience in local government finance and a strong understanding of Housing Revenue Account accounting, financial planning and governance, capable of providing strategic financial advice and robust challenge to senior stakeholders within a complex and evolving environment. You will possess excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex financial information and translate it into clear, meaningful advice for both finance and non-finance audiences. Building strong relationships, influencing decision-making and supporting service improvement will come naturally to you, alongside a proactive and collaborative leadership style focused on developing others, driving continuous improvement and delivering high-quality financial services that contribute to the Council’s wider objectives.
We are looking for someone who has:
- A CCAB professional accountancy qualification.
- Evidence of continuing professional development and a commitment to maintaining professional knowledge and expertise.
- Strong knowledge and understanding of financial management and financial processes within local authorities.
- Detailed knowledge of local government housing finance and HRA accounting practices.
- A thorough understanding of HRA capital programmes, capital financing arrangements and the associated legislative framework.
- Experience of developing, maintaining and modelling long-term HRA Business Plans, including 30-year financial planning.
- Experience of rent setting and service charge calculations within a Housing Revenue Account environment.
- Knowledge and experience of implementing and maintaining effective controls to prevent breaches of the statutory HRA ring-fence.
- Proven experience of delivering the key responsibilities associated with a senior finance management or housing finance role.
- Experience of annual budget setting, financial planning and monitoring of significant capital and revenue budgets.
- Experience of providing financial support and challenge to large-scale housing projects, investment programmes and service transformation initiatives.
- Experience of preparing or supporting statutory HRA accounts and contributing to the Council’s Statement of Accounts.
- Experience of leading HRA year-end closedown processes, including accruals, fixed asset reconciliations, depreciation, impairment accounting and external audit requirements.
- Experience of reviewing and authorising grant claims and statutory returns.
Finance Manager (HRA) 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 (HRA)
✨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 (HRA)
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.
