At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial management and budgeting for Housing Revenue Account activities.
- Company: Local Authority committed to effective public fund stewardship.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, permanent contract, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team focused on continuous improvement and value for money.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on housing services and financial governance.
- Qualifications: CCAB qualified or part-qualified with experience in local authority finance.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 60000 £ per year.
Salary: 55,000 - 60,000
Contract: Permanent
Location: Berkshire
We are currently supporting a Local Authority looking for a Finance Manager to provide high-quality financial leadership and business partnering across the Housing Revenue Account (HRA). This is a key role supporting senior stakeholders with robust budgeting, forecasting, reporting and financial governance, ensuring effective stewardship of public funds and strong decision-making across housing services.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead budget setting, monitoring and forecasting for HRA activity, identifying risks, pressures and opportunities.
- Produce clear, accurate monthly management reporting and financial insight for senior stakeholders.
- Provide proactive business partnering to service leads, translating complex financial data into practical recommendations.
- Support the development and review of business cases, options appraisals and investment decisions.
- Ensure strong financial controls, compliance and governance in line with local government requirements.
- Drive continuous improvement, value for money, and stronger financial practices across the service.
Essential Criteria
- Direct experience supporting HRA / housing finance (or closely aligned service areas).
- CCAB qualified or part-qualified (e.g., CIPFA / ACCA / CIMA).
- Local authority finance background is essential (candidates must currently/recently be working in a council/local government setting).
- Strong experience across budgeting, forecasting, variance analysis and management reporting.
- Confident communicator with proven ability to influence non-finance stakeholders at a senior level.
- Strong working knowledge of public sector financial governance and reporting expectations.
Finance Manager (HRA) in England employer: Panoramic Associates
Contact Detail:
Panoramic Associates Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Manager (HRA) in England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those in local government. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of HRA and local authority finance. We recommend practising common interview questions and having examples ready that showcase your budgeting and forecasting skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation and reiterate your interest in the role. It keeps you fresh in their minds!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance at landing that Finance Manager role. We make it easy for you to showcase your skills and experience directly to the hiring team!
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Manager (HRA) in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the Finance Manager role. Highlight your experience with HRA and local authority finance, and don’t forget to showcase your budgeting and forecasting skills. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
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. Mention specific examples of how you've influenced senior stakeholders and improved financial practices in your previous roles. We love a good story!
Showcase Your Qualifications: If you're CCAB qualified or part-qualified, make sure to highlight that prominently. We’re looking for someone with strong financial governance knowledge, so don’t be shy about your credentials. Let us know how your qualifications align with the role!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy – just a few clicks and you’re done!
How to prepare for a job interview at Panoramic Associates
✨Know Your Numbers
Make sure you brush up on your budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting skills. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past experience where you've successfully managed HRA finances or similar areas. This will show that you can hit the ground running.
✨Speak Their Language
Familiarise yourself with local government finance terminology and practices. When discussing financial insights, use terms that resonate with senior stakeholders. This will demonstrate your understanding of their needs and how you can provide value.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific financial challenges or risks within the HRA. Think about potential scenarios and prepare your responses, focusing on your problem-solving skills and proactive approach to business partnering.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Finance Manager, you'll need to influence non-finance stakeholders. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated complex financial data in the past. Highlight your ability to translate numbers into actionable insights that drive decision-making.