Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial management and budgeting for Trafford Council, making a real impact on the community.
- Company: Trafford Council, a Living Wage Employer committed to community development.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and personal development opportunities.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and help shape the financial future of Trafford.
- Qualifications: CCAB qualified accountant with experience in public sector finance.
- Other info: Friendly work environment that values your input and promotes career growth.
The predicted salary is between 44000 - 52000 £ per year.
Location - Trafford Town Hall, Talbot Road, Stretford, M32 0TH
Salary range - £51,356 to £59,016 (pay award pending)
Trafford council is a Living Wage Employer.
Working Pattern - Full time
Working hours - 36.25
We will offer flexibility where we can - if you are interested in a role, please speak to the recruiting manager about what flexibility they might consider. Many of our colleagues can work from home for one or more days a week and/or they flex the hours they work. We call this SMART working, and it gives you the option to flex your days and hours so you can fit your work around your life and life around your work.
Contract type - Permanent
Application deadline - 22/02/2026
About the Role
We have an opportunity for a highly motivated, inspirational and dynamic qualified accountant to join us and undertake the role of Finance Manager/Trainee Finance Manager for Financial Accounting. Whilst the Council is seeking to recruit an experienced candidate, if you don’t consider yourself yet fully equipped to take on the Finance Manager role, the council is willing to consider a career graded development opportunity for an exceptional candidate who can demonstrate suitable experience and possess a commitment and passion to progress their career.
Your main duties will include:
- A key role in a professional team responsible for the co-ordination of the Revenue and Capital Budget, Medium Term Financial Plan and resource projections, annual closure of accounts and grant claim processes in accordance with the corporate procedures as advised by the Head of Financial Management.
- To assist the Head of Financial Management and Strategic Finance Manager (Corporate) in drafting the Medium Term Financial Strategy, in particular the calculation of the annual resource envelope. This will include the interpretation, assessment and possible challenge to the Council's finance settlements from the Government and forecasting of business rates and council tax revenues.
- To undertake the monitoring, budget preparation and closedown of Council's Collection Fund for Council Tax and Business Rates.
- To manage the Council's finance systems and VAT functions, including the drafting of relevant strategies, plans and policies, ensuring compliance with the law and best practice, achieving financial and service targets.
- Provide oversight of the Council's income systems, ensuring accurate allocation, monitoring, and reconciliation of all income streams.
About you
As a CCAB qualified accountant, you should have a proven track record in financial management with experience of leading a finance function in a public sector organisation. You will have experience of working in and understand the financial arrangements of local government, in particular the preparation of year end statutory and management accounts and also the governance and political context. Additionally, an awareness of the accounting arrangements relating to Collection Fund Accounting (Council Tax and Business Rates) would be advantageous.
You will be comfortable in supporting the strategic leadership of the Council and liaising with chief officers in partner organisations. However, you will also be able to operate at the granular level of detail as work requires, working autonomously and with others as necessary to get the job done.
As a strategic leader, you will have excellent communication skills and be a flexible team player and proactive problem solver. Being enthusiastic about working hard for Trafford to make a positive difference for our residents is essential.
If you have completed the GM Elevate Leadership Development Programme within the last 2 years, please indicate this within the 'About You' or 'Supporting Statement' section of your application.
About us
Trafford Council and its partners in the public, private and third sectors have a Vision which sees us working together to close inequality gaps and maximise Trafford's huge potential. Our vision: Trafford - where all our residents, businesses and communities thrive. Trafford is a lively, prosperous place to put down roots and build a career. The council and Trafford schools employ around 8,000 people, who are central to making the area great. In return for their commitment, the council offers its employees development opportunities, as well as a fair and flexible workplace. The council is a Living Wage Employer.
Additional Information
Please note the advert may close early if we receive a high number of applications so, please do not delay in submitting your application.
Contact Details: Nikki.royle@trafford.gov.uk
About the benefits
You will be welcomed into a friendly environment where your personal and professional development will be encouraged. You will have the opportunity to work and grow in a people-centered and values-based organisation that promotes a positive permission culture. Your opinions matter so you will have the opportunity to shape how we do things here at Trafford.
To learn more about Trafford as a place to work visit and to view more about our awards and benefits please visit: Trafford - Benefits | www.inploi.com (greater.jobs)
Other Relevant Information: Greater Manchester Continuous Service Commitment - greater.jobs | www.inploi.com
For this opportunity, you must be able to prove you have the right to work in the UK - if in doubt please visit the following link Employers' right to work checklist - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk). Please note we are not a licensed sponsor and we won’t be able to support with your work visa.
Privacy Notice - The Council needs to hold and process information about employees, workers and other individuals as appropriate, for various reasons. With the General Data Protection Regulations coming into force we have in place a new privacy notice for staff, contractors, volunteers, trainees, those on work experience and job applicants.
Deputy Finance Manager/Finance Manager employer: Trafford Council
Contact Detail:
Trafford Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Finance Manager/Finance Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in finance or local government. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral. Don’t be shy; we all know it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching Trafford Council and its financial strategies. Show us you’re genuinely interested in making a difference in the community. Tailor your answers to reflect how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get a friend to do a mock interview with you. Focus on those tricky questions about financial management and local government. The more comfortable you are, the better you’ll perform when it counts.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Trafford team. Let’s get you that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Finance Manager/Finance Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills that match the job description. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for the role shine through in your application. Share why you're excited about working with Trafford Council and how you can contribute to making a positive difference for our residents.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon, so we can easily understand your qualifications and experiences without getting lost in the details.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our official website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and is considered promptly. Don’t miss out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Trafford Council
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Deputy Finance Manager or Finance Manager, you’ll need to be on top of your financial game. Brush up on key financial metrics and local government finance structures. Be ready to discuss how you’ve managed budgets and financial strategies in the past.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role requires strategic leadership, so think about examples where you've led a team or project. Prepare to share how you’ve motivated others and navigated challenges in a finance setting, especially in public sector environments.
✨Understand the Council's Vision
Familiarise yourself with Trafford Council’s goals and values. Be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with their vision of closing inequality gaps and maximising potential. This shows you’re not just looking for a job, but are genuinely interested in contributing to the community.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the role, team dynamics, and the council’s future plans. This demonstrates your interest and helps you gauge if this is the right fit for you.
