Finance Manager

Luton Borough Council; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 58,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a skilled Finance Manager to oversee accounting activities across its Commercial departments. This rewarding role involves leading financial reporting, budgeting, and management accounting to support strategic business interests. As a key member of the finance team, you will collaborate with internal teams and external partners, providing insights and detailed financial analysis. The position offers a competitive salary and a range of benefits, including flexible working options and career development opportunities, making it an attractive opportunity for finance professionals looking to make a meaningful impact.

Benefits

Annual leave: 25 to 32 days

Buy additional leave: up to 20 days

Career development opportunities

Pension scheme with employer contributions

Relocation package up to £8,000

Employee Assistance Programme

Flexible working options

Training and development courses

Staff discounts on various services

Travel savings with Arriva Travel Club

Qualifications

• Qualified accountant with substantial post-qualification experience.
• Deep understanding of accounting principles and financial management.

Responsibilities

• Deliver accurate monthly management accounts and financial reports.
• Develop economic and financial components of business plans.

Skills

Financial Reporting

Budgeting

Forecasting

Management Accounting

Financial Modelling

Data Analysis

Communication

Education

ACA

ACCA

CIMA

Tools

Sage

Excel

Job description

Salary £58,507 - £61,745 a year plus £3,203 car benefit allowance

About the job

Salary: £58,507 - £61,745 a year plus £3,203 car benefit allowance

Hours per week: 37

Contract type: Permanent

Are you looking for a rewarding role within Luton Rising, the Luton Council group company that owns London Luton Airport and is at the forefront of delivering Luton's inspiring 2040 vision? This role could be for you!

We are seeking a skilled and forward-thinking Finance Manager to support the Head of Commercial Operations and oversee accounting activities across our Commercial departments. As a key member of the finance team, you will lead financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and management accounting to safeguard and strategically support Luton Rising's business interests.

Your responsibilities include delivering accurate monthly management accounts, monitoring revenue and capital budgets, and preparing financial reports for decision-making at the Board level. You will develop and commission economic and financial components of business plans and investment cases through complex financial modelling and scenario analysis.

The role covers the full finance cycle, from budget setting to year-end reporting and audit management. You will act as a trusted advisor, working collaboratively with internal teams and external partners, providing strategic insights and detailed financial analysis to inform commercial decisions.

Please note this role does not attract sponsorship.

About you

You are a qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, or CIMA) with substantial post-qualification experience in a full-cycle finance leadership role. You possess a deep understanding of accounting principles and financial management in a commercial context, with strong technical skills in financial systems (including Sage) and advanced Excel-based modelling. You are experienced in developing robust financial tools for strategic planning and investment analysis.

Your background includes leading budgeting, forecasting, year-end closures, and providing high-quality financial and strategic advice at a senior level. You are comfortable with complexity, data analysis, and developing practical solutions to drive business success.

You have experience working in dynamic, multi-stakeholder environments and can communicate complex financial information clearly and engagingly. You understand confidentiality and governance, acting with integrity to protect business interests.

An understanding of equality legislation and the ability to embed inclusive practices into business strategies is essential. Flexibility to commute between sites is also required.

About us

Our ambitious Luton 2040 Vision aims to eliminate poverty in Luton. We value our talented, committed, and passionate workforce dedicated to serving our residents.

We welcome applications from all community sections and are committed to reflecting the diversity of our borough in our workforce.

Application Process

This role requires a criminal record disclosure, as it is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Applicants must declare all unspent cautions and convictions, including adult cautions and spent convictions not protected under the Act. A criminal record will not automatically disqualify an applicant, but nondisclosure may lead to dismissal or disciplinary action.

Note: The vacancy may close early due to high application volumes.

Benefits

• Annual leave: 25 to 32 days, linked to service and grade
• Buy additional leave: up to 20 days
• Career development: pathways and specialist opportunities
• Pension scheme: employer contributions up to 20.2% and 3x salary death in service benefit
• Relocation package: up to £8,000 (eligibility dependent)
• Employee Assistance Programme: free 24/7 confidential support
• Flexible working: options including remote work, part-time, and alternative patterns
• Training and development: courses, mentoring, and clear career pathways
• Staff discounts: MOT, gym, restaurant, and salon offers
• Travel savings: Arriva Travel Club