At a Glance
- Tasks: Support financial management and reporting for exciting regeneration projects.
- Company: St Helens Borough Council, a modernising council passionate about community impact.
- Benefits: Flexible working options, competitive salary, and excellent employee benefits.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to inclusion and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing your finance skills.
- Qualifications: CCAB/CIMA qualified accountant with strong financial management skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
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. As part of our transformation journey, we continue to build on our progress and put children firmly at the centre of our care. We can only do this because of our highly valued, skilled, and supported workforce.
The Finance team, as part of the Council's Corporate Services Directorate, supports a wide range of operational services across the Council, along with ensuring that our 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 for a CCAB/CIMA qualified accountant. The role will be supporting our finance business partnering model, with specific responsibilities for Capital Accounting, reporting and supporting our Regeneration Projects and wider capital projects across the Borough.
Making a Difference
Whatever stage of your career, working in the public sector puts you at the heart of communities. Our workforce provides services to our residents day in and day out, making a positive impact on people’s lives. There are many reasons to choose to work at St Helens Council including the fantastic range of employee benefits and rewards on offer. Employees can regularly work away from Council workspaces (including home or other locations), alongside required office-based working. The balance between remote and office-based working is determined at service level based on operational need, however there has been a minimum specification that staff will work at least 2 days from an office-based location.
Roles That Matter
The role is crucial to support the Finance Business Partner with robust financial management, and liaising with the teams delivering the projects to ensure financial reporting is accurate and transparent. Professional financial advice is required for these complex investments, and the future ongoing operational revenue models are realistic and achievable. The projects cover a wide range of differing requirements, including internal and external delivery, working with Development Partners, meeting the requirements of funding mixes including a range of grant funders, and Freeport/Investment Zone programmes.
The role provides support to the Project and Programme Leads/Budget Managers, along with external contacts, with adaptable communication styles to ensure that informed decisions can be made to achieve Council strategic objectives, affordability and value for money. The role will encompass complex technical accounting requirements, financial accounting and Statutory Reporting. The Council has successfully received Central Government funding for Local Regeneration Fund, and two Pride in Place programmes, along with significant Highways and Transport investment via the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority.
Equality & Diversity
We encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds, who share our values, our commitment to inclusion, and who will help us on our journey to transform our organisation. The Council guarantees an interview to disabled applicants who demonstrate that they meet the essential criteria for the job, as detailed in the Person Specification, 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 in St Helens employer: St Helens Council
St Helens Borough Council is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and development of its workforce while making a meaningful impact on the community. With a strong commitment to employee benefits, flexible working arrangements, and a culture that values diversity and inclusion, the Council fosters an environment where finance professionals can thrive and contribute to significant regeneration projects. Joining our team means being part of a passionate organisation dedicated to supporting children, families, and communities in the heart of the Northwest.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Manager- Fixed Term in St Helens
✨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.
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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 St Helens Council.
✨Connect with Alumni from Your Uni
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✨Stay Active on Job Boards and Company Websites
Keep your eyes peeled on job boards specifically for finance roles. Companies like St Helens Council 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 Finance Manager- Fixed Term in St Helens
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 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 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 Council confidence in your short-term commitment to the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at St Helens 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 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 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.
