At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic financial planning and provide expert advice to senior leaders.
- Company: Local government organisation in beautiful Cornwall, focused on community sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive pay of £350 per day, hybrid working, and potential for contract extension.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team and help shape the future of public services.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on Cornwall's communities while driving organisational transformation.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with experience in local government finance and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 84000 - 84000 £ per year.
Positive Employment is currently recruiting for a Strategic Finance Manager for our client, a local government organisation based in Cornwall. The successful post holder will be responsible for providing strategic financial leadership and advice to senior leaders, helping to shape decision making, support financial sustainability and deliver the organisation's priorities.
Working closely with Directorate Leadership Teams and external stakeholders, you will lead financial planning, business partnering, governance and performance support across complex services, programmes and partnerships. You will play a key role in driving organisational transformation, managing financial risks and opportunities, and ensuring the Council remains financially resilient and focused on delivering sustainable outcomes for Cornwall's communities.
The role supports the Head’s of Finance in co-ordinating and delivery of the above activities across the organisation and its public sector partners which will involve bringing together lead officers and specialists from all directorates and public sector organisations. This role is a temporary contract with an initial period of 3 months, with the possibility to extend. This role is hybrid, some attendance in the office. Frequency to be discussed.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Provide strategic financial leadership and expert advice to Directors, Members and senior stakeholders, supporting robust decision-making and long-term financial sustainability.
- Lead finance business partnering across designated directorates, ensuring high-quality financial planning, monitoring, forecasting and performance management.
- Support the development and delivery of the organisation's Medium-Term Financial Strategy, helping services to achieve balanced budgets and sustainable outcomes.
- Lead financial input to major transformation programmes, service redesign, capital investment and strategic initiatives, ensuring effective governance and value for money.
- Provide oversight and assurance for capital programmes, external funding, grants and investment activity, maintaining strong financial controls and compliance.
- Build and maintain effective relationships with internal and external partners, representing the Finance Service in key committees, boards and partnership forums.
- Lead, develop and inspire finance teams, promoting a high-performance culture focused on collaboration, continuous improvement and professional excellence.
Personal Requirements:
- A qualified member of one of the CCAB accountancy bodies (preferably but not essentially CIPFA): with post qualification experience and management experience within Local Government or an organisation of similar scope and complexity.
- Proven experience of successful financial management including budget formulation, financial planning, monitoring and control, within tight financial limits in a complex organisation.
- Experience of giving advice to and building relationships with elected members and/or Board Members.
- Demonstrates an up to date knowledge and understanding of the law, government policy and best practice in relation to financial management.
- A successful track record of establishing and sustaining a performance management culture, supported by effective and efficient management information systems.
- Demonstrate a sound understanding of the legislative and regulatory framework surrounding local government finance.
Working Hours: Full Time, Monday to Friday.
Pay: £350.00 per day
Please note this role is within the scope of IR35.
Strategic Finance Manager in Cornwall employer: Positive Employment
Positive Employment is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that prioritises collaboration and innovation in the realm of local government projects. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, team members are encouraged to enhance their skills while contributing to meaningful SEND initiatives that directly impact the community in Liverpool. The flexibility of remote working, combined with the opportunity to engage with various agencies and partners, makes this role not only rewarding but also pivotal in shaping quality services for children and young people.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Finance Manager in Cornwall
✨Join Financial Networking Events
Jump into local finance meetups and conferences — they’re a goldmine for temporary roles in banking and financial services. You can chat with industry professionals and even get leads on upcoming opportunities that might not be posted online yet.
✨Utilise Temp Agencies Specialised in Finance
Reach out to temp agencies that focus on the banking sector. They often have strong ties with various firms and can help you secure short-term gigs that can help beef up your CV and get your foot in the door at firms like Positive Employment.
✨Connect with Alumni from Your Uni
Don't underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network. Many former students are working in banking and can help you find temporary roles or even offer mentorship. Reach out directly or attend alumni events to broaden your circle.
✨Stay Active on Job Boards and Company Websites
Keep your eyes peeled on job boards specifically for finance roles. Companies like Positive Employment might post temporary positions directly on their sites, so make sure to apply there too. Set alerts to catch those roles the moment they go live!
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Finance Manager in Cornwall
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Academic Achievements:In banking and financial services, your academic record can really make you stand out. List relevant grades, certifications, or coursework on your CV, especially if you've taken finance-related modules. This is particularly important for a temporary role where qualifications can help you shine even brighter!
Highlight Relevant Experience:If you’ve done any internships, part-time roles, or even coursework that aligns with banking or finance, make sure you include those! Showcase specific tasks where you used quantitative skills or analytical thinking, as this is what the hiring managers at Positive Employment will be keen to see in your application.
Tailor Your Cover Letter Purposefully:When writing your cover letter, focus on why you’re interested in a temporary position at Positive Employment. Let them know how you can quickly adapt to the team's needs and how eager you are to learn the ropes of the banking sector during this short stint. Your motivation and enthusiasm could really set you apart!
Be Prepared with References:For temporary roles, references can play a crucial role in your application. Make sure you’ve got a couple of references lined up who can vouch for your skills and work ethic. This helps to give Positive Employment confidence in your short-term commitment to the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Positive Employment
✨Brush Up on Financial Regulations
Since this is a role in banking and financial services, be ready to discuss key regulations like MiFID, Basel III, or GDPR. These are hot topics, and your awareness of how they impact daily operations can give you a significant edge during your interview with Positive Employment.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare for interview questions that assess your analytical abilities. You might need to tackle hypothetical scenarios involving risk assessment or financial forecasting. Bringing examples of relevant projects or coursework can emphasise your practical understanding of these concepts.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
For a temporary role, showing that you can quickly pick up new processes and tools is crucial. Be ready to discuss previous experiences where you had to adapt to changing requirements or tight deadlines, as this will reassure Positive Employment that you’re a reliable team player.
✨Demonstrate a Willingness to Learn
In a temporary position, leaning into your eagerness to learn can really set you apart. Be prepared to share how you’re staying updated on industry trends or any additional training you've pursued. Employers appreciate candidates who are proactive about their development—even for short-term roles.
