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- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and provide expert advice to shape decision-making and drive public impact.
- Company: Barking and Dagenham Council, committed to innovation and strong financial leadership.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, flexible working, and a focus on wellbeing and professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing your finance career.
- Qualifications: CCAB-qualified accountant with experience in local government finance and team management.
- Other info: Join a diverse team dedicated to excellence and creating an inclusive environment.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
We are recruiting two exceptional Strategic Finance Managers to join our high-performing Finance team and play a pivotal role in shaping financial sustainability, strategic insight and operational excellence across our Council.
Available Roles:
- Strategic Finance Manager – Adults and Core Services. Requires specialist expertise in Adult Social Care finance.
- Strategic Finance Manager – Housing, Environment and Communities. Requires deep knowledge of the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) and housing finance.
These are high-impact leadership positions, providing expert financial advice and strategic support to senior managers and elected Members. You will lead the development and delivery of financial strategies, oversee planning and reporting and ensure compliance with statutory requirements and professional standards. As a trusted strategic advisor, your insights will shape transformation programmes, service reviews and investment decisions, driving value for money and positive public impact. You will also play a key role in addressing emerging financial challenges and supporting our Council’s long-term sustainability.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead financial strategy, planning and reporting aligned with corporate priorities.
- Provide expert financial advice to support decision-making, risk management and performance improvement.
- Oversee financial processes including budget setting, year-end closure and financial compliance.
- Manage and develop high-performing finance teams, fostering innovation and continuous improvement.
- Collaborate with senior stakeholders and external partners to ensure financial resilience and transparency.
- Champion financial leadership in transformation, service delivery models and digital innovation.
This is a unique opportunity to lead in a dynamic, forward-thinking Council committed to innovation, collaboration and public value. You will be part of a strategic finance team that influences key decisions and delivers lasting impact for our communities.
About you
To succeed in this role, you will be a CCAB-qualified accountant with at least three years’ experience and an active member of a recognised professional accountancy body. You will demonstrate a commitment to continuing professional development and bring a strong understanding of local government finance, relevant legislation and the wider political context. You will have extensive experience in either Housing Revenue Account (HRA) or Adult Social Care finance, with a proven ability to translate complex financial data into clear, actionable insights. You will have at least three years’ experience managing a diverse finance team of five or more, and be a confident communicator capable of influencing senior leaders and elected Members.
Your technical proficiency includes:
- A strong track record of partnering with stakeholders to achieve financial sustainability for significant and volatile budgets within large, complex organisations.
- Expertise in zero-based budgeting, financial modelling and options appraisals to support value-for-money service delivery.
- Proven success in managing end-to-end budget monitoring, year-end accounts closure and financial planning cycles, consistently delivering clean audit outcomes and resolving challenges under pressure.
- Ability to present complex financial information in a clear, accessible way to non-finance colleagues, highlighting key issues, options and implications to support informed decision-making.
You will be confident in building trusted relationships with internal and external stakeholders, acting as a strategic partner who can challenge assumptions, hold others to account and influence decisions to drive process improvements and promote innovation.
About us
Barking and Dagenham Council is building a resilient, future-ready Finance Team committed to excellence and strong financial leadership. We are seeking skilled, ambitious professionals to join us in key roles within our Resources Directorate, a hub of strategic innovation. Our borough is proudly diverse, and we are dedicated to creating an inclusive environment where differences are respected and celebrated. We offer competitive pay, flexible working and a strong focus on wellbeing and development.
Strategic Finance Manager in London employer: London Borough of Barking and Dagenham
Contact Detail:
London Borough of Barking and Dagenham Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Finance Manager in London
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the finance sector! Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Ace the Interview
Prepare for your interviews by researching the Council's financial strategies and recent initiatives. We recommend practising common interview questions and having examples ready that showcase your expertise in financial management and leadership. Remember, confidence is key!
✨Showcase Your Skills
When you get the chance to meet potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience with zero-based budgeting and financial modelling. We want to see how you can bring value to the team, so be ready to discuss how your skills can tackle their specific challenges.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage with us directly. Let’s make it happen!
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Finance Manager in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Strategic Finance Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience in Adult Social Care finance or Housing Revenue Account, and show how your skills align with our Council's goals.
Showcase Your Expertise: Don’t hold back on demonstrating your financial expertise! Include specific examples of how you've successfully managed budgets, provided strategic advice, or led teams in previous roles. We want to see your impact!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to explain complex financial concepts, as we value the ability to communicate effectively with non-finance colleagues.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows your enthusiasm for joining our dynamic Finance Team!
How to prepare for a job interview at London Borough of Barking and Dagenham
✨Know Your Numbers
Make sure you brush up on your financial knowledge, especially around Adult Social Care finance or Housing Revenue Accounts, depending on the role you're applying for. Be ready to discuss specific financial strategies you've implemented in the past and how they contributed to organisational success.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Strategic Finance Manager, you'll be leading teams and influencing senior stakeholders. Prepare examples of how you've managed diverse finance teams and fostered innovation. Highlight any successful projects where your leadership made a significant impact.
✨Communicate Clearly
You’ll need to present complex financial data to non-finance colleagues. Practice explaining intricate financial concepts in simple terms. This will demonstrate your ability to make financial insights accessible and actionable for decision-makers.
✨Understand the Bigger Picture
Familiarise yourself with the Council's strategic priorities and how finance plays a role in achieving them. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to financial sustainability and public value, showing that you’re not just a numbers person but a strategic partner.
