At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance for council-owned companies, driving performance and strategic decision-making.
- Company: Join North Yorkshire Council, a stable and rewarding local government employer.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, flexible working, job security, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Work closely with senior leaders and influence high-level decisions.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on community developments while shaping financial success.
- Qualifications: Experience in finance management with strong project-based finance skills required.
The predicted salary is between 51356 - 55539 £ per year.
A Commercial Role – Powered by Public Sector Strength. This is a rare opportunity to bring your private sector commercial expertise into a role where the focus is firmly on driving business performance, profitability and growth — not policy. North Yorkshire Council is seeking a high‑calibre, commercially astute finance leader to oversee the financial function of its portfolio of council‑owned companies, with a particular focus on Brierley Homes, our residential development business.
You’ll operate as a true commercial partner to the Managing Director and leadership team—shaping decisions, managing investment, and ensuring strong financial returns across a complex development pipeline. All within the context of a stable, flexible and highly rewarding local government employment offer and within a large financial services team.
The Role
This is a strategic and hands‑on commercial finance leadership role, responsible for:
- Leading the end‑to‑end finance function across council‑owned companies
- Driving financial performance, governance and decision‑making across multiple residential development projects
- Managing cash flow, funding arrangements and investment structures
- Providing clear, actionable insight to the Board and Shareholder
- Acting as a key adviser to the Managing Director on all financial matters
You will work at the heart of a commercially focused organisation—partnering closely with construction, development and commercial teams to understand cost drivers, risks and opportunities in real time. You will be responsible for the effective leadership and delivery of the organisation’s finance function, ensuring strong governance, compliance and commercial insight.
Key Responsibilities
- Oversee project cashflow, cost to complete and profitability forecasting
- Lead on financial reporting to the Board, Shareholder and senior stakeholders
- Manage development funding, drawdowns and lender compliance
- Ensure robust financial governance across group entities and SPVs
- Deliver accurate monthly management accounts and statutory reporting, ensuring compliance
- Drive financial insight and performance improvement across the business
- Support strategic projects and commercial decision‑making at the highest level
About You
We are looking for a commercial thinker first and foremost—someone who understands how finance drives business success.
Required Qualifications
- Proven experience as a Financial Controller / Senior Finance Manager in a commercial environment
- Strong expertise in project‑based finance, cashflow management and financial modelling
- A track record of influencing strategic decisions and delivering business outcomes
- Confidence working with senior stakeholders, including Boards and non‑finance leaders
- A recognised accounting qualification (CIMA, ACCA, ACA or equivalent)
Highly Desirable
- Experience in residential development, construction or real estate
- Understanding of development finance, SPVs and complex funding structures
Benefits
- Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
- Generous annual leave entitlement
- Flexible and hybrid working (typically 3 days on site)
- Job security and long‑term career development
- The opportunity to work on high‑impact developments that shape communities
Why This Role?
- Commercial focus – You’ll be driving financial performance and business success.
- Strategic influence – Direct exposure to Board‑level decision‑making.
- Complex environment – Work across multi‑site development projects and funding structures.
- Leadership opportunity – Shape and lead a specialist finance team.
Contact
For an informal conversation, or to hear more about the role, please contact Graham via Graham.Byrne@northyorks.gov.uk.
Company: North Yorkshire Council
Salary: £51,356 – £55,539 per annum
Location: Northallerton, North Yorkshire
Sector: Corporate Services
Sector: Corporate Management Team
Job Role: Manager
Business Finance Manager (Commercial Focus) in Northallerton employer: Kirklees Metropolitan Council
North Yorkshire Council is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity for a Business Finance Manager to leverage private sector expertise in a stable and rewarding local government environment. With a strong focus on employee growth, flexible working arrangements, and the chance to influence high-impact developments that shape communities, you will thrive in a collaborative culture that values strategic insight and leadership. Join us in driving financial performance and making a meaningful difference in North Yorkshire.
Contact Details:
Kirklees Metropolitan Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Finance Manager (Commercial Focus) in Northallerton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance and commercial sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself to potential employers. Remember, it’s all about who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company inside out. Understand their projects, values, and challenges. This way, you can tailor your answers to show how your experience aligns with their needs—especially in driving financial performance.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You want to be able to clearly articulate your commercial expertise and how it can benefit the organisation. Keep it concise but impactful—think of it as your personal brand statement.
✨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. Let’s get you that role!
We think you need these skills to ace Business Finance Manager (Commercial Focus) in Northallerton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Business Finance Manager role. Highlight your commercial finance expertise and any relevant project-based finance experience to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role, focusing on your strategic thinking and how you can drive financial performance in a complex environment.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share your achievements! Quantify your successes in previous roles, especially those related to financial governance and decision-making, to demonstrate your impact.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Kirklees Metropolitan Council
✨Know Your Numbers
Before the interview, brush up on your financial knowledge, especially around project-based finance and cash flow management. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past roles where you influenced strategic decisions or improved financial performance.
✨Understand the Organisation
Research North Yorkshire Council and its portfolio of council-owned companies, particularly Brierley Homes. Familiarise yourself with their recent projects and financial strategies so you can speak confidently about how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills in a commercial context. Think of situations where you had to manage complex funding structures or provide actionable insights to senior stakeholders, and be ready to share those stories.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As this role involves leading a finance team, be prepared to discuss your leadership approach. Share examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, particularly in high-pressure environments, and how you foster collaboration across departments.
