At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance for council-owned companies, driving performance and profitability in residential development.
- Company: North Yorkshire Council, a stable and rewarding local government employer.
- Benefits: Generous leave, flexible working, job security, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborate with diverse teams and influence strategic decisions at the highest level.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on community developments while shaping financial strategies.
- Qualifications: Experience in finance management, project finance, and a recognised accounting qualification.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 70000 € per year.
A Commercial Role – Powered by Public Sector Strength. This is a rare opportunity to bring your private sector commercial expertise into a role where the focus is firmly on driving business performance, profitability and growth— not policy. North Yorkshire Council is seeking a high‑calibre, commercially astute finance leader to oversee the financial function of its portfolio of council‑owned companies, with a particular focus on Brierley Homes, our residential development business.
You’ll operate as a true commercial partner to the Managing Director and leadership team— shaping decisions, managing investment, and ensuring strong financial returns across a complex development pipeline. All within the context of a stable, flexible and highly rewarding local government employment offer and within a large financial services team.
The Role
This is a strategic and hands‑on commercial finance leadership role, responsible for:
- Leading the end‑to‑end finance function across council‑owned companies
- Driving financial performance, governance and decision‑making across multiple residential development projects
- Managing cash flow, funding arrangements and investment structures
- Providing clear, actionable insight to the Board and Shareholder
- Acting as a key advisor to the Managing Director on all financial matters
You will work at the heart of a commercially focused organisation—partnering closely with construction, development and commercial teams to understand cost drivers, risks and opportunities in real time. You will be responsible for the effective leadership and delivery of the organisation’s finance function, ensuring strong governance, compliance and commercial insight.
Key Responsibilities
- Oversee project cashflow, cost to complete and profitability forecasting
- Lead on 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. You will bring:
- Proven experience as a Financial Controller / Senior Finance Manager in a commercial environment
- Strong expertise in project‑based finance, cashflow 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
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
Business Finance Manager (Commercial Focus) employer: North Yorkshire Council
North Yorkshire Council is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity for a Business Finance Manager to leverage private sector expertise in a stable and rewarding local government environment. With a strong focus on employee growth, generous benefits including the Local Government Pension Scheme, and a flexible working culture, you will play a pivotal role in driving financial performance across impactful residential developments that shape local communities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Finance Manager (Commercial Focus)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance and development sectors. Attend industry events or webinars where you can meet potential employers or colleagues. Remember, it’s all about who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their financial strategies and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. Show them you’re not just another candidate, but the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You need to clearly articulate your value as a finance leader. Highlight your experience in project-based finance and how you’ve driven profitability in past roles. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities that might just be the perfect match for your skills. Plus, it’s a great way to show your interest in joining our team directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Business Finance Manager (Commercial Focus)
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 ability to drive financial performance and your experience in managing cash flow and funding arrangements.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities—show us what you’ve achieved! 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 directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you’re serious about joining our team at North Yorkshire Council!
How to prepare for a job interview at North Yorkshire Council
✨Know Your Numbers
Make sure you brush up on your financial metrics and key performance indicators relevant to the role. Be prepared to discuss how you've driven financial performance in previous roles, especially in project-based environments.
✨Understand the Business Landscape
Familiarise yourself with North Yorkshire Council's portfolio, particularly Brierley Homes. Research their recent projects and challenges in residential development to show that you're not just a finance expert but also a commercial thinker who understands the broader context.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask you to demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world scenarios. Think about past experiences where you influenced strategic decisions or improved financial governance, and be ready to share those stories.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since this role involves working closely with senior stakeholders, practice articulating your ideas clearly and confidently. Prepare to discuss how you would approach advising the Managing Director and collaborating with non-finance leaders to drive business success.
