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- Tasks: Support and enhance the council's financial systems while driving continuous improvement.
- Company: Bradford Council is investing in finance to support ambitious strategic plans.
- Benefits: Enjoy training opportunities, a supportive team, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team focused on financial sustainability and community development.
- Qualifications: Experience in finance systems and strong analytical skills are essential.
- Other info: Diversity and inclusion are key values; all applicants are encouraged to apply.
The predicted salary is between 32900 - 36700 £ 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.
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 Bradford Council's recent financial initiatives and strategic plans. Understanding their goals will help you demonstrate how your skills can directly contribute to their objectives 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 be beneficial for your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully implemented or improved financial systems in previous roles. Highlighting your experience in change management will resonate well with the responsibilities of this position.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on best practices in financial governance and risk management. Being able to speak knowledgeably about these topics will show your commitment to promoting excellence within the finance team at Bradford Council.
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 understand 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, budget management, and any previous roles that involved change management or continuous improvement. Use specific examples to demonstrate your impact in past positions.
Showcase Your Skills: Make sure to showcase your expertise in financial disciplines, as well as your ability to deliver training and support to other departments. Mention any relevant qualifications or certifications that enhance your candidacy.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also expresses your enthusiasm for contributing to Bradford Council's strategic plans. Make it personal and connect your values with the council’s goals.
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 ready to discuss how you can contribute to its improvement and maintenance.
✨Showcase Your Change Management Skills
Since the role involves driving continuous improvement, prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led change management initiatives. Highlight your ability to adapt and implement new processes.
✨Prepare for Financial Insights Discussion
Be ready to discuss how you would approach budget preparation, monitoring, and year-end processes. Think about specific strategies you could employ to provide valuable financial insights and reports.
✨Demonstrate Training and Development Experience
As the role includes delivering training to enhance financial management skills, prepare to talk about any previous experience in training or mentoring others. Emphasise your ability to communicate complex financial concepts clearly.
