At a Glance
- Tasks: Support financial management and provide advice on complex investments for regeneration projects.
- Company: St Helens Borough Council, a modernising council passionate about community support.
- Benefits: Flexible working options, commitment to diversity, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a collaborative and inclusive workplace.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team making a real impact in the community with exciting projects.
- Qualifications: CCAB/CIMA qualified accountant with strong financial management skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
About the role
We are St Helens Borough Council. Located in the heart of the Northwest close to Liverpool, Manchester and Lancashire, St Helens is a modernising Council which is passionate and ambitious for the children and families we support, our communities and our workforce. The Finance team, as part of the Council's Corporate Services Directorate, supports a wide range of operational services across the Council while ensuring that accounting and reporting complies with the CIPFA code of practice. This is an exciting opportunity to join the Corporate Finance team on a 2‑year fixed‑term basis as a CCAB/CIMA qualified accountant. The role will be supporting our finance business partnering model, with specific responsibilities for capital accounting, reporting and for supporting our regeneration projects and wider capital projects across the Borough.
Responsibilities
- Support the Finance Business Partner with robust financial management.
- Provide professional financial advice for complex investments and future operational revenue models.
- Ensure financial reporting is accurate and transparent for internal and external delivery, including working with Development Partners, grant funders and Freeport/Investment Zone programmes.
- Provide support to the Project and Programme Leads/ Budget Managers and external contacts, adapting communication styles to ensure informed decisions and achievement of Council strategic objectives, affordability and value for money.
- Encompass complex technical accounting requirements, financial accounting and statutory reporting.
- Assist with the management of Central Government funding for the Local Regeneration Fund, Pride in Place programmes and significant Highways and Transport investment via the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority.
Working pattern
Employees can regularly work away from Council workspaces (including home or other locations). The balance between remote and office‑based working is determined at service level based on operational need, with a minimum requirement of at least 2 days from an office‑based location.
Equality & Diversity
We encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds who share our values and commitment to inclusion. The Council guarantees an interview to disabled applicants who demonstrate they meet the essential criteria for the job, and will, for qualifying disabled candidates, make reasonable adjustments within selection. All Council employees are required to abide by the ethical standards embodied by the 7 Nolan Principles.
Finance Manager- Fixed Term employer: St Helens Borough Council
St Helens Borough Council is an excellent employer that prioritises the well-being and development of its workforce while serving the community with passion and ambition. With a supportive work culture that encourages professional growth, employees benefit from flexible working arrangements and the opportunity to contribute to meaningful projects that enhance the lives of local families and communities. Joining our finance team means being part of a forward-thinking organisation that values diversity and inclusion, ensuring every voice is heard and respected.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Manager- Fixed Term
✨Join Financial Networking Events
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We think you need these skills to ace Finance Manager- Fixed Term
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 St Helens Borough Council 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 St Helens Borough Council. 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 St Helens Borough Council confidence in your short-term commitment to the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at St Helens Borough Council
✨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 St Helens Borough Council.
✨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 St Helens Borough Council 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.
