Finance Manager

Thurrock Council; Grays; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A local council in the UK is seeking a Finance Manager to lead the development of the Medium-Term Financial Strategy and oversee the budgeting process. The successful candidate will demonstrate extensive financial expertise and engagement skills, playing a critical role in supporting financial recovery planning. Candidates should possess relevant qualifications and the ability to influence decision-making among senior managers. This position is based in Grays, requiring 2 days per week in the office.

Qualifications

• Relevant professional qualification or significant experience for this senior role.
• Strong technical knowledge in budgeting, forecasting, financial modeling, and analysis.
• Experience in local government or public sector is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of the Medium-Term Financial Strategy.
• Ensure alignment of budget setting with strategic priorities.
• Provide financial reporting and analysis to senior leadership.

Skills

Technical financial knowledge

Stakeholder engagement

Budgeting

Forecasting

Financial analysis

Education

CCAB/CIMA or equivalent qualification

Job description

Finance Manager - Reporting and medium term financial strategy

Grays, 2 days per week in office

Job Purpose:

Reporting to the Head of Financial Strategy and Planning, this role will play a key part in modelling and monitoring the Council’s Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS). The position is pivotal to the development of the Council’s budget strategy and is responsible for maintaining several financial models that inform the organisation’s financial position. This includes linking current and future capital requirements to the Council’s strategic direction as it progresses towards financial recovery.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the development and maintenance of the Medium‑Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) and financial modelling framework.
• Coordinate corporate budget setting processes and ensure alignment with strategic priorities.
• Provide high‑quality financial reporting and analysis to senior leadership and members.
• Support financial recovery planning and savings tracking across the organisation.
• Ensure integrity and accuracy of financial data and forecasts.
• Contribute to statutory reporting requirements and year‑end processes.

About you:

We are looking for a motivated and capable finance professional who can operate effectively within a complex and evolving organisation. You will demonstrate both technical expertise and strong stakeholder engagement skills.

• Relevant professional qualification (e.g., CCAB/CIMA or equivalent) or significant relevant experience appropriate to the seniority of the role.
• Strong technical financial knowledge including budgeting, forecasting, financial modelling, and financial analysis.
• Experience working in a complex organisational environment with multiple stakeholders (local government or public sector experience desirable).
• Ability to influence, challenge, and support senior managers and budget holders to improve financial performance and decision‑making.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to present financial information clearly to non‑finance audiences.