Finance Manager, Capital and Planning

East Sussex County Council; Lewes; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

Job summary

East Sussex County Council in Lewes seeks a CCAB qualified accountant to lead Finance, Capital and Planning, influencing major investment decisions and supporting the 10-year Capital Programme with robust financial governance.

You will report to the Deputy Chief Finance Officer, manage a small team, embed Oracle processes, and provide strategic financial advice to strengthen decision-making across the Council.

Qualifications

• Hold a recognised professional accountancy qualification (CCAB or CIMA).
• Knowledge of public sector finance, accounting standards and statutory requirements.
• Ability to analyse complex financial and performance information and turn it into practical advice.

Responsibilities

• Lead coordination and development of the Council's Capital Programme and Capital Strategy.
• Ensure robust financial management, governance arrangements and compliance with financial regulations.
• Provide clear, strategic advice to support decision-making and challenge financial position.

Skills

Public sector finance

Financial analysis

Influence decision-making

Change improvement

Oracle processes

Education

CCAB or CIMA qualification

Tools

Oracle

Job description

Job Description

Are you a CCAB qualified accountant who can combine strong technical skills with a passion for improvement? If so, join us to influence major investment decisions, support the delivery of our capital programme and help shape the future of local government in East Sussex.

Are you a CCAB qualified accountant who can combine strong technical skills with a passion for improvement? If so, join us to influence major investment decisions, support the delivery of our capital programme and help shape the future of local government in East Sussex.

As Finance Manager, Capital and Planning, you will support the development of the Council's 10-year Capital Programme and Capital Strategy, ensuring robust financial management and governance arrangements are in place. This is an exciting time to join East Sussex County Council as we continue to embed Oracle across the organisation, strengthen our financial management arrangements and support the organisation to respond to future opportunities and challenges.

Reporting to the Deputy Chief Finance Officer, and managing a small team of staff, you will lead the coordination and development of the Council's Capital Programme, ensuring sound governance, effective financial controls and compliance with financial regulations. Working closely with colleagues across the organisation, you will help embed Oracle processes strengthen financial governance and drive improvements in the way financial services support decision-making across the Council. You will proactively identify and assess issues affecting the Council's financial position and provide clear, strategic advice to support decision-making.

We Are Looking For Candidates Who

• Hold a recognised professional accountancy qualification (CCAB or CIMA)
• Have knowledge of public sector finance, accounting standards and statutory requirements
• Can analyse complex financial and performance information and turn it into practical advice.
• Build effective working relationships and influence decision-making across services.
• Are innovative and improvement-focused, with experience of delivering change and developing financial processes

Interviews will take place in person at County Hall, Lewes in mid-October 2026. If you are unavailable at this time, let us know and we may be able to arrange an alternative interview date.

Why join us?

This role provides a rare opportunity to combine technical accounting with organisational change. You will work at the centre of key strategic programmes, helping to shape how the Council manages hundreds of millions of pounds of capital investment. The role offers flexible working, autonomy and the opportunity to make a lasting impact across local government in East Sussex.

We offer a diverse range of benefits to help and support you during your employment. More information can be found on our benefits page.

Vocational Training through Apprenticeships is available to our staff, ranging from entry level to degree level qualifications. You can discuss relevant development opportunities with the hiring manager.

For an informal discussion about this opportunity contact Tom Alty, Deputy Chief Finance Officer, at [e-mail] to arrange a Microsoft Teams call or phone conversation.

About Us

Additional Information

Your starting salary will be pro rata if the above position is part-time or term-time only.

If you require sponsorship to work in the UK please let the hiring manager know this in your application so we can check eligibility for sponsorship for the role. For further information please go to Work in the UK - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) .

If you require any reasonable adjustments, due to disability, to enable you to participate fully in the process please contact the hiring manager on the contact details above.