Finance Manager - Business Development and Improvement

Local Government Chronicle; Bradford; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Bradford is seeking a Finance Manager to support business development and improvement. The successful candidate will drive financial solutions, manage complex issues, and embed best practices in financial management. The role offers a salary range of £42,839 to £46,142 and provides a permanent position. Interested candidates can contact the Internal Audit department for more information.

Qualifications

• Experience in financial management and delivering effective financial advice.
• Strong knowledge of budget monitoring and financial regulations.
• Ability to manage complex and sensitive issues.

Responsibilities

• Support the Deputy Head in reviewing business practices and processes.
• Provide proactive advice to improve Council services.
• Drive planning and project management culture within Bradford Finance.
• Develop relationships with top management and external agencies.
• Handle complex and sensitive financial matters.

Skills

Financial analysis

Project management

Stakeholder management

Risk management

Continuous improvement

Education

Relevant degree in finance or related field

Job description

Overview

Finance Manager – Business Development and Improvement
Bradford Council – Bradford, UK

Bradford Finance is undergoing significant change and investment. Having been under resourced for a number of years it is now entering a new phase of development and strategic focus to support the Council’s ambitious new corporate strategy and plans. A restructure has recently completed with the department comprising four key teams: Management Accounting; Corporate and Strategic Finance; Projects, Systems and Commercial; and Internal Audit, Risk, Business Development and Improvement. The restructure includes significant additional capacity and investment in training and development. A new service plan is being developed during 2025 with a focus on delivering financial literacy across the organisation while elevating the impact of the Finance team to support the Council’s strategic plans and financial sustainability and recovery programme.

The team has helped the Council achieve key outcomes in the last 12 months, including the lifting of the Best Value Notice, a positive CIPFA review, earlier budgeting for 2025/26, and the closure and audit sign-off of the 2022/23 and 2023/24 accounts with an unqualified opinion. The post is a key role in supporting the delivery of the Council’s plans and future financial sustainability by developing cost-effective solutions and fostering a culture of continuous improvement and value for money.

Responsibilities

• To support the Deputy Head of Business Development and Improvement in reviewing opportunities for the development and improvement of business practices and processes within Finance and across the Council, coordinating with internal audit, risk, and the transformation team. This includes decision making on highly sensitive cases and overall service performance management.
• To support the Director of Finance and Head of Internal Audit, Risk, Business Development and Improvement in providing proactive and creative advice to improve all Council services.
• To promote business solutions through financial challenge and advice, embedding best value, continuous improvement, value for money and risk management into service delivery and change management projects.
• To drive and embed planning, programme and project management culture; lead post-implementation reviews; advocate Bradford Finance on external bodies (e.g., CIPFA); advise on national panels and groups as required.
• To support the Head of Internal Audit, Risk, Business Development and Improvement in embedding best-in-class working methods across Bradford Finance to improve processes and systems supporting key financial activities including budget monitoring and tracking; foster a high-performance, continuous improvement culture delivering leading-edge financial management and advice for service reviews, major projects and procurements.
• To develop and maintain relationships with top management, other Council services, external agencies and peer groups to ensure the service remains at the forefront of innovation and change.
• To support the Deputy Head of Business Development and Improvement in commissioning and undertaking benchmarking research to inform Bradford Finance and promote compliance with performance standards, procedures and financial regulations.
• To work across the Council to prompt, challenge and support ambitious programmes to improve services and value for money.
• To assist in preparing reports to senior management and elected Members, and support the approval of reports prepared for Executive and other Committees.
• To develop an effective interface with the private sector and partner organisations, and manage new ways of working within the regulatory framework of the Council.
• To handle complex, sensitive and confidential matters and liaise with elected Members, senior management, Trade Unions and external agencies, providing professional information and financial advice.
• To support the finance service in delivering the Council’s vision and strategic objectives with timely financial advice, innovative solutions and governance for key projects and corporate initiatives.

How to Apply

If you are interested in joining our team and would like further information, please contact:

Gary Devlin, Internal Audit, Risk, Business Development & Improvement at [e-mail].

Further information is available through the links below, along with the attached Job Profile and Candidate Information Pack.

Equal Opportunities

We do not discriminate against any applicant or employee on the grounds of gender, marital status, gender re-assignment, pregnancy, sexual orientation, disability, race, colour, ethnic background, religion or belief, nationality or age. As an equal opportunities employer, the Council strives to employ the best qualified people from a diverse range of applicants. The RESPECT Allyship Programme is available to all staff, offering resources to its members.

Job Details

Bradford Council, Bradford, UK • Permanent • £42839.00 - £46142.00

Published on 28 Oct 2025