At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic finance team and drive service transformation in local government.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking council committed to financial resilience and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 40 days leave, flexible working, and extensive wellbeing support.
- Other info: This role offers hybrid working and opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on local services while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Must be CCAB or CIMA qualified with senior finance experience.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Salary: Competitive
Location: West Midlands
Hybrid Working (up to 2 days in office)
Qualification: Must be CCAB or CIMA qualified
Shape the Financial Future of a Transforming Council
We’re seeking an ambitious, qualified Finance Manager to lead a high-performing Financial Services function at a pivotal moment for our local authority client’s journey. This is your opportunity to step into a leadership role where you’ll directly support the Chief Officer for Finance & Performance and play a central part in delivering financial resilience and service transformation across the organisation. As Deputy Section 151 Officer, you will be the Council’s technical financial lead—ensuring compliance, innovation, and value for money across all finance operations.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Leading and developing the Financial Services team to deliver excellent financial management and insight.
- Acting as Deputy S151 Officer, supporting statutory and regulatory financial responsibilities.
- Driving service transformation, cost-efficiency, and income generation across the Council.
- Overseeing compliance with all financial regulations and CIPFA accounting standards.
- Providing strategic input into budget planning, financial forecasting, and risk management.
About You
- Professionally qualified (CCAB or CIMA).
- Experienced in senior finance roles—preferably within local government.
- Expert in local authority accounting, including HRA, Capital Accounting, and Treasury Management.
- Politically astute with strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
- A confident leader who thrives on challenge, innovation, and continuous improvement.
Why Join Us?
- 40 days total leave (including bank holidays and extra Christmas days)
- Generous Local Government Pension Scheme
- Flexible and hybrid working (up to 60% remote)
- Flexi-time scheme & Annual leave purchase options
- Professional development including structured induction and leadership pathways
- Professional subscription paid
- Extensive wellbeing support and compassionate leave
- Extra perks including retail discounts, car salary sacrifice, and cycle to work scheme
This is more than a finance role; it’s a chance to influence the future of local government services. If you’re a strategic finance leader ready to make an impact, we’d love to hear from you.
Finance Manager (West Midlands) in Birmingham employer: Opus People Solutions Ltd
Join a forward-thinking local authority in the West Midlands, where you will not only lead a dynamic Financial Services team but also play a crucial role in shaping the financial future of the community. With a strong emphasis on professional development, flexible working arrangements, and an extensive benefits package including generous leave and wellbeing support, this is an exceptional opportunity for ambitious finance professionals looking to make a meaningful impact in local government.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Manager (West Midlands) in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific financial regulations and CIPFA accounting standards relevant to local government. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to compliance and excellence in financial management.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals already working in local government finance roles. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to gain insights and make connections that could lead to referrals or recommendations for the position.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in driving service transformation and cost-efficiency initiatives. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully implemented changes that resulted in financial improvements in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your leadership skills by highlighting any experience you have in managing teams or projects. Emphasise your ability to inspire and develop others, as this is crucial for a role that involves leading a high-performing Financial Services team.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Manager (West Midlands) in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your CCAB or CIMA qualifications and relevant experience in senior finance roles, especially within local government. Use specific examples that demonstrate your expertise in local authority accounting and financial management.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Write a cover letter that showcases your leadership skills and your ability to drive service transformation and cost-efficiency. Mention your experience with budget planning and risk management, and explain why you are passionate about influencing the future of local government services.
Highlight Relevant Achievements:In your application, include specific achievements that reflect your capability as a Deputy Section 151 Officer. This could be successful projects you've led, improvements in financial compliance, or innovative strategies you've implemented.
Showcase Soft Skills:Don’t forget to highlight your soft skills such as stakeholder management, communication, and political astuteness. These are crucial for the role and can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Opus People Solutions Ltd
✨Showcase Your Qualifications
Make sure to highlight your CCAB or CIMA qualifications during the interview. Discuss how your professional background aligns with the requirements of the Finance Manager role, particularly in local government finance.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Experience
Prepare examples of your previous leadership roles and how you've successfully managed teams. Emphasise your ability to drive service transformation and cost-efficiency, as these are key aspects of the position.
✨Understand Local Authority Accounting
Brush up on local authority accounting principles, including HRA, Capital Accounting, and Treasury Management. Be ready to discuss how you have applied this knowledge in past roles and how it can benefit the council.
✨Communicate Strategically
Since strong stakeholder management is crucial, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Prepare to discuss how you would engage with various stakeholders and contribute to budget planning and financial forecasting.
