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- Tasks: Support and enhance the council's financial systems while driving continuous improvement.
- Company: Bradford Council is investing in its finance team for strategic growth and sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, training opportunities, and a diverse work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in your community while developing your financial expertise.
- Qualifications: Experience in finance systems and strong analytical skills are essential.
- Other info: Join a supportive team focused on professional development and financial literacy.
The predicted salary is between 33600 - 49800 £ per year.
Bradford Finance is undergoing significant change and investment. Having been under-resourced for a number of years, it is now entering a new phase of development and strategic focus to support the Council’s ambitious plans. A recent restructure has created four key teams: Management Accounting; Corporate and Strategic Finance; Projects, Systems and Commercial; and Internal Audit, Risk, Business Development and Improvement. The restructure includes increased capacity and investment in training and development. A new service plan is being developed for 2025, focusing on financial literacy, elevating the finance team's role, and supporting the Council’s strategic and financial sustainability goals.
The team has recently contributed to:
- Lifting the Best Value Notice by February 2025
- Positive CIPFA review on financial sustainability progress
- Early completion of the 2025/26 budget
- Audited sign-offs for 2022/23 and 2023/24 accounts with unqualified opinions
- Positive half-year report by the Council’s Independent Board
The Senior Finance Officer – Systems supports the finance system specialists in implementing and maintaining the council’s financial systems infrastructure, supporting strategic plans and financial sustainability. This is an opportunity to make a significant impact in Bradford. The successful candidate will support, lead, develop, and review systems and change management activities to drive continuous improvement.
Main Responsibilities
- Identify and address financial issues affecting the business, assist managers in staying within budgets, and escalate unresolved issues.
- Participate in monthly meetings to review monitoring figures critically.
- Support budget preparation, monitoring, year-end, and account closure processes, providing financial insights and reports.
- Maintain expertise in financial disciplines to advise the Council effectively.
- Assist departments with financial support, including budgeting, forecasting, and performance reporting.
- Represent the Strategic Finance Manager in internal projects and working groups.
- Deliver training to enhance financial management skills across departments.
- Handle complex financial activities, including corporate projects and compliance reporting.
- Promote best practices, governance, risk management, and resource optimization.
For further information or to apply, contact: Andrew Cross, Head of Management Accounting at 07870 386523 or Mike Thomas at 07738 128501.
Additional information is available via the attached Job Profile and Candidate Information Pack.
Equal Opportunities: We do not discriminate based on gender, marital status, gender re-assignment, pregnancy, sexual orientation, disability, race, religion, nationality, or age. The Council strives to employ diverse and qualified applicants. The RESPECT Allyship Programme is available to all staff, offering resources to learn about diverse communities.
Senior Finance Officer - Systems employer: Local Government Chronicle
Contact Detail:
Local Government Chronicle Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Finance Officer - Systems
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest financial systems and software used in local government. Understanding the specific tools and technologies that Bradford Council employs will give you an edge during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of Bradford Council, especially those in finance roles. They can provide valuable insights into the team dynamics and expectations, which can help you tailor your approach.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with change management and continuous improvement initiatives. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully implemented changes in financial processes or systems.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your ability to deliver training and support to non-financial staff. Being able to communicate complex financial concepts in an understandable way is crucial for this role, so be ready to demonstrate this skill.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Finance Officer - Systems
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and requirements of the Senior Finance Officer - Systems position. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experience and skills that align with the role.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your experience in financial systems, budgeting, and change management. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you've successfully handled similar responsibilities in previous roles.
Showcase Your Skills: Make sure to include key skills such as financial analysis, reporting, and training delivery. Mention any software or systems you are proficient in that are relevant to the finance sector.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a personalised cover letter that explains why you are interested in this position and how you can contribute to Bradford Council's goals. Be sure to address your passion for financial sustainability and continuous improvement.
How to prepare for a job interview at Local Government Chronicle
✨Understand the Financial Systems
Make sure you have a solid grasp of the financial systems used by the council. Familiarise yourself with their infrastructure and be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to its improvement and maintenance.
✨Showcase Your Change Management Skills
Since the role involves driving continuous improvement, be ready to share examples of how you've successfully managed change in previous positions. Highlight your ability to lead teams through transitions and implement new processes.
✨Prepare for Financial Insights Discussion
Expect to discuss financial insights and reports during the interview. Brush up on your analytical skills and be prepared to provide examples of how you've used data to support budget preparation and monitoring.
✨Demonstrate Training and Development Experience
As the role includes delivering training to enhance financial management skills, think of instances where you've trained others or developed training materials. Be ready to explain your approach to fostering financial literacy within teams.
