Strategic Finance Manager

About this job

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 :

1) Strategic Finance Manager – Adults and Core Services. Requires specialist expertise in Adult Social Care finance.

2) 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. For more information, contact Ruth Ebaretonbofa-Morah, Head of Financial Services at ruth.ebaretonbofa-k