Finance Manager - Systems

City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council; Bradford; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government council in Bradford is seeking a Finance Manager - Systems to lead the upgrade of financial systems and contribute to strategic planning. The ideal candidate will focus on change management and team development while ensuring compliance with financial regulations. This role is essential for driving financial sustainability and supporting the council's ambitious goals.

Benefits

Equal opportunities employer

RESPECT Allyship Programme for diversity initiatives

Qualifications

• Experience in financial management within a large organization.
• Ability to lead and develop teams effectively.
• Strong analytical skills to identify financial issues.

Responsibilities

• Support implementation of financial systems and processes.
• Work with service managers to ensure systems meet accounting needs.
• Provide support during budget preparation and account closures.
• Manage performance of finance staff and ensure professional development.

Skills

Leadership

Financial systems knowledge

Change management

Analytical skills

Education

Relevant degree or financial qualification

Tools

ERP systems

Financial modelling software

Job description

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 in order to support the Council's ambitious new corporate strategy and plans. A restructure has recently completed with the department now 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 clear strategic focus and direction including a development plan to focus on delivering financial literacy across the organisation, while at the same time, elevating the impact of the Finance team within the organisation to support and drive the Council's strategic plans whilst delivering its financial sustainability and recovery programme. The team has recently been highly instrumental in the last 12 months in helping the Council secure:

• the lifting of the Best Value Notice put in place in February 2024 by February 2025, an unprecedented achievement.
• a very positive review by CIPFA about progress being made in Bradford to become financially sustainable. CIPFA cites progress being made in several key areas, including the addressing of risks identified in the previous review of 2023. They also report that financial planning in Bradford is robust, savings proposals are well considered and are being delivered, even where choices are difficult.
• completion of the 2025/26 budget much earlier than previously.
• closure and audit sign off of the 2022/23 and 2023/24 accounts in the last 4 months, both with an unqualified opinion.
• a very positive half year report by the Council's Independent Board.

The Finance Manager - Systems is crucial to the delivery of the Council's plans and development of the council's future financial systems infrastructure. The post is key as the Council looks to upgrade its financial systems and introduce an ERP system during the coming years. The postholder will play a part in the development of the strategic vision for the future development of the service to enable the council to meet its future challenges whilst fostering a culture of continuous improvement. This role is an opportunity to make a real difference in our vibrant and diverse city. We are looking for an exceptional individual to join our dedicated team in the Finance Department and lead as our Finance Manager - Systems. The successful candidate will be expected to lead, develop and ensure implementation of change management programmes to deliver continual improvement. The main responsibilities of this role are:

Key Responsibilities

• To positively support and deliver the vision, values and strategic objectives of the Council's services through providing constructive and timely advice on financial systems matters identifying innovative solutions as appropriate.
• Work with Managers in service departments to confirm systems requirements and changes in order to support revenue and capital accounting and monitoring. To support maintenance and development of the main accounting and support systems.
• Anticipate and identify system impacts of key financial issues and risks affecting the business which require attention, resolve issues with Senior Managers and identify mitigating actions to ensure net expenditure is within budget, elevate to Strategic Finance Manager and other senior colleagues any business issues not resolved by Service Managers.
• Be an effective liaison point between the Systems, Projects and Commercial team and Corporate and Strategic Finance team and Government Departments to ensure completion of all statutory returns.
• With the Strategic and Corporate Finance Teams ensure systems support the delivery of financial and commercial analysis to support the financial strategy, decision making and service reviews. Help to deliver robust financial and commercial analysis for business cases including signing‑off financial implications for reports and for Gateway Reviews.
• Manage financial modelling of new systems or changes to existing services including impact from specific legislation /policy changes, assess implications for the Council.
• Provide support (guidance, encouragement, challenge and advice) to system users during budget preparation, monthly monitoring, year‑end and closure of accounts - helping them to understand the financial information required and processes to be followed.
• The postholder will be expected to deputise for the Head of Projects, Systems and Commercial and/or the Strategic Finance Specialist on systems related matters and other matters within their areas of expertise as required. The postholder will be required to substitute or deputise for other Finance Managers within the team as required.
• Proactively manage the day‑to‑day performance of staff within direct control (reward good and address poor performance) including recruitment, appraisal, conflict resolution and ensure continuing professional development of self and team.
• Develop and maintain working relationships with top management and other senior officers, other Council services, external agencies and peer groups working corporately and cooperatively to ensure the service is at the forefront of innovation and change.
• Represent and promote the Council on finance systems issues at appropriate local, regional and national forums and maintain and develop working relationships with professional bodies and other groups to ensure effective representation and promote meaningful networking.
• Actively seek continuous improvement in the performance and development of the Finance Service and facilitating best value in service delivery.
  We do not discriminate against any applicant or employee directly or indirectly on the grounds of gender, marital status, gender re‑assignment, pregnancy, sexual orientation, disability, race, colour, ethnic background, religion or belief nationality or age. And, 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, which offers the opportunity to learn more about the diverse communities & groups and provides added benefits and resources to its members.