At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance for council-owned companies, driving performance and strategic decisions.
- Company: Join North Yorkshire Council, a stable and rewarding local government employer.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, job security, and flexible working arrangements.
- Other info: Opportunity to influence Board decisions and lead a specialist finance team.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on community developments while shaping financial success.
- Qualifications: Experience in finance management and strong commercial acumen 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
Strategic Commercial Finance Leader for Development in Northallerton employer: Kirklees Metropolitan Council
North Yorkshire Council is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to blend private sector commercial expertise with public sector stability. With a focus on driving business performance and profitability, employees benefit from a supportive work culture that prioritises professional growth, flexible working arrangements, and the chance to make a meaningful impact on community development. Join a dedicated team where your strategic insights will directly influence high-impact projects in a collaborative environment.
Contact Details:
Kirklees Metropolitan Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Commercial Finance Leader for Development in Northallerton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance and development sectors. Attend industry events or webinars where you can meet potential employers and showcase your expertise. 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 will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate how your commercial finance skills can drive their business performance.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the role of Strategic Commercial Finance Leader. Highlight your achievements in financial governance and decision-making to show you’re the perfect fit for the team.
✨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 and engaged with our organisation.
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Commercial Finance Leader for Development in Northallerton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the job description. Highlight your experience in commercial finance and project-based environments, as this is what we’re really looking for. Use keywords from the job ad to show you’re a perfect fit!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Tell us why you’re passionate about driving financial performance and how your background aligns with our needs. Keep it concise but impactful—show us your personality!
Showcase Relevant Experience:When detailing your work history, focus on achievements that demonstrate your strategic influence and financial acumen. We want to see how you’ve driven business outcomes in previous roles, especially in complex environments.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Kirklees Metropolitan Council
✨Know Your Numbers
Make sure you brush up on your financial metrics and key performance indicators relevant to the role. Be prepared to discuss how you've driven financial performance in previous roles, especially in project-based finance. This will show that you understand the commercial landscape and can contribute effectively.
✨Understand the Business Context
Familiarise yourself with North Yorkshire Council's portfolio, particularly Brierley Homes. Research their recent projects and any challenges they might be facing. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your strategic thinking and how you can add value as a commercial partner.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask you to solve hypothetical financial challenges or improve profitability. Think about past experiences where you've influenced strategic decisions and be ready to share specific examples that highlight your problem-solving skills and commercial acumen.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since this role involves working closely with senior stakeholders, practice articulating your ideas clearly and confidently. Prepare to discuss how you’ve successfully collaborated with non-finance leaders in the past, showcasing your ability to communicate complex financial concepts in an accessible way.
