Finance Manager - HRA

Carrington West; Swindon; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading local authority is seeking a proactive Finance Manager to oversee financial management within the Housing Directorate. This role demands strong public sector experience and leadership capabilities, focusing on strategic planning, budget management, and the mentorship of finance staff. The position offers hybrid working arrangements and presents an excellent opportunity for career advancement within a complex financial environment.

Qualifications

• Qualified accountant with CCAB (CIPFA preferred).
• Experience in public sector finance.
• Strong knowledge of financial controls and audit.
• Previous management or mentoring experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead financial management and planning for key service areas.
• Provide strategic finance support to senior managers.
• Ensure compliance with statutory deadlines and budget planning.
• Mentor finance staff and manage team effectively.

Skills

Budget Management

Financial Reporting

Leadership

Communication

Microsoft Excel

Education

Full CCAB professional accountancy qualification

Tools

Financial Software

Job description

We are seeking an experienced and proactive Finance Manager to join a well-structured and forward-thinking local authority team. This role offers the opportunity to lead on financial management and planning for a key service area, contributing to both strategic and operational finance delivery.

This is an excellent opportunity for a qualified accountant with strong local government experience, looking to take the next step in their career or expand their leadership portfolio within a complex and rewarding environment.

You will be working within the Housing Directorate, and experience within this area is preferred.

The role offers hybrid working, with a requirement to be in the office 3 days a week.

The Role

1. Provide strategic and operational finance support to senior managers and service leads across a designated portfolio.
2. Lead on revenue and capital budget planning, monitoring, and the timely closure of annual accounts.
3. Ensure compliance with statutory and regulatory deadlines, including government and statistical returns.
4. Deputise for the Head of Finance and attend committee meetings when required.
5. Deliver timely and accurate financial advice to budget holders, supporting budgetary control and income maximisation.
6. Develop and maintain effective financial systems, controls, and procedures.
7. Coordinate the completion of working papers and documentation for internal and external audit.
8. Respond to internal audit reports and ensure corrective action is taken where needed.
9. Provide line management and mentorship to a team of professional and non-professional finance staff.
10. Maintain awareness of emerging risks, opportunities, and changes in national financial regimes.

Key Requirements

• Full CCAB professional accountancy qualification (preferably CIPFA).
• Demonstrable experience in public sector finance, including budget management and financial reporting.
• Strong working knowledge of financial systems, controls, and audit requirements.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to advise and influence at a senior level.
• Strong leadership capability, with previous experience managing or mentoring finance staff.
• Confident using Microsoft Excel and financial software for analysis, reporting, and modelling.
• Experience working within Housing.

How to Apply

If you are interested in this role and meet the criteria above, please send us your application today. If you have any questions about the vacancy, please click APPLY NOW.

If you do not hear from us within 48 hours of applying, your application has been unsuccessful.

Footnote

If you feel that this job matches your skills but not the rate, location, or seniority, please feel free to send us your CV anyway. We constantly recruit for similar roles across all levels, UK-wide, and would be pleased to speak with you confidentially about your employment status.

Even if you're currently satisfied in your role, we welcome calls from finance and public sector professionals looking to make future connections. Our specialist team at Carrington West has over 100 years of combined experience in this market. For more information, call Zubair at Carrington West on 02393 876065.

By applying for this position, you agree for Carrington West to hold and process your personal data in accordance with our Data Protection Policy. Your data will only be shared with third-party clients for roles relevant to your application. You may withdraw consent at any time by contacting us.