Finance Manager

Westmorland and Furness Council; England; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in England seeks a proactive Finance Manager to enhance financial systems and lead a dedicated team. Candidates should possess strong financial systems experience, CCAB qualifications, and a commitment to professional growth. The role offers a competitive benefits package and opportunities for impactful work in a supportive environment.

Benefits

Competitive pension scheme

Enhanced annual leave allowance

Various perks and discounts

Qualifications

• Strong commitment to ongoing personal and professional development.
• Extensive knowledge of financial procedures, standards, and systems.
• Ability to manage change in complex environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and implementation of financial systems strategy.
• Manage day-to-day operations of financial systems.
• Motivate and develop team members.

Skills

Financial systems experience

Change management

Strategic thinking

Operational results delivery

Education

CCAB qualification

Relevant degree or project management qualification

Job description

Location:

Kendal, Penrith or Barrow (including working from home/agile working), with the facility to work from Parkhouse, Carlisle.

Contract Type:

Permanent

Are you an experienced finance professional with a passion for systems improvement and strategic impact?

We are looking for a proactive and innovative Finance Manager to join our team and lead the development and delivery of high-quality financial systems and services.

As Finance Manager, you will:

• Lead the design, implementation and continuous improvement of our financial systems strategy, ensuring optimal use of both procedural and IT-based tools.
• Manage the day-to-day operations of financial systems and lead a programme of work to deliver system enhancements, meet key milestones, and support budget management.
• Motivate, develop and support your team while working with managers across the organisation to challenge existing practices and improve value for money.

The team is currently hosted by Cumberland Council but will disaggregate during this financial year so that each Council will have their own Financial Systems team. You will work alongside the hosted team, which is based in Carlisle, until disaggregation takes place. This joint approach will allow for knowledge sharing and training for both Councils.

Who we are looking for…

We are looking for someone with strong financial systems experience, a practical understanding of managing change in complex environments, and the ability to think strategically while delivering operational results.

You will be either CCAB qualified, hold a relevant degree, or possess a recognised qualification in project management, ICT, or risk and business continuity. You will demonstrate a strong commitment to ongoing personal and professional development, and bring extensive knowledge of financial procedures, standards, and systems.

If you're ready to make a real impact in a supportive and ambitious organisation, we’d love to hear from you.

What can we offer you!

Working at Westmorland and Furness Council you will receive a variety of benefits, including a competitive pension scheme, enhanced annual leave allowance and other various perks and discounts schemes. For more information about life at Westmorland and Furness Council and what we can offer you, please visit our Careers site.
https://careers.westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk/our-benefits

Would you like to find out more?

If you have any queries about this role or would like an informal chat about this opportunity, then please contact Fiona Parker, Senior Manager – Finance, by email at [e-mail] or by phone, 07741 230019.

Application and Interview information

Closing date: 23rd November 2025