At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial performance and governance across council-owned companies and projects.
- Company: North Yorkshire Council, focused on community-driven development.
- Benefits: Generous leave, flexible working, job security, and career growth opportunities.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team shaping impactful community developments.
- Why this job: Drive business success and influence strategic decisions at a high level.
- Qualifications: Experience in finance management and strong project-based finance skills required.
The predicted salary is between 51356 - 55539 € per year.
This is a rare opportunity to apply private sector commercial expertise within a public sector context focussed on driving business performance, profitability and growth in council-owned companies, particularly Brierley Homes.
This strategic and hands-on commercial finance leadership role is responsible for the financial function across council-owned companies, ensuring strong governance, compliance and commercial insight. You will act as a key commercial partner to the Managing Director and leadership team, shaping decisions, managing investment and ensuring strong financial returns.
- Lead the end-to-end finance function across council-owned companies
- Drive financial performance, governance and decision-making across multiple residential development projects
- Manage cash flow, funding arrangements and investment structures
- Provide clear, actionable insight to the Board and Shareholder
- Act as a key advisor to the Managing Director on all financial matters
Key Responsibilities
- Oversee project cash flow, cost to complete and profitability forecasting
- Lead financial reporting to 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.
- Proven experience as a Financial Controller or Senior Finance Manager in a commercial environment
- Strong expertise in project-based finance, cash flow 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
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
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
For an informal conversation, or to hear more about the role, please contact Graham Byrne at Graham.Byrne@northyorks.gov.uk.
Business Finance Manager (Commercial Focus) (Full Time) employer: New Start
North Yorkshire Council is an exceptional employer that offers a unique opportunity to leverage private sector commercial expertise within a public sector framework. With a strong focus on employee growth, generous benefits including the Local Government Pension Scheme and flexible working arrangements, we foster a collaborative work culture that prioritises strategic influence and job security. Join us in making a meaningful impact on community development while advancing your career in a supportive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Finance Manager (Commercial Focus) (Full Time)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, especially those who work in public sector finance. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the council's recent projects and financial strategies. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in how you can contribute to their success.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your commercial finance experience can drive performance and profitability in a public sector context. Confidence is key!
✨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 take that extra step.
We think you need these skills to ace Business Finance Manager (Commercial Focus) (Full Time)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Business Finance Manager role. Highlight your commercial finance expertise and any relevant project-based finance experience to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role, focusing on your strategic thinking and how you can drive financial performance in a public sector context.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use specific examples of how you've influenced strategic decisions or improved financial outcomes in previous roles to demonstrate your impact.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates!
How to prepare for a job interview at New Start
✨Know Your Numbers
Make sure you brush up on your financial knowledge, especially around project-based finance and cash flow management. Be ready to discuss how you've influenced strategic decisions in your previous roles, as this will show your commercial acumen.
✨Understand the Role's Context
Familiarise yourself with the public sector environment and how it differs from the private sector. This role is about applying commercial expertise within a council context, so be prepared to discuss how you can drive business performance in that setting.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask you to solve hypothetical financial challenges or improve profitability. Think of examples from your past experience where you've successfully managed cash flow or improved financial governance, and be ready to share those stories.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since you'll be working closely with senior stakeholders, practice how you would communicate complex financial insights clearly and effectively. Show that you can translate financial jargon into actionable advice for non-finance leaders, which is crucial for this role.
