Finance | Officer

Lgcplus; Bradford; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Senior Finance Officer – Systems to join their dynamic team in Bradford. This pivotal role involves supporting the Council's financial systems infrastructure, ensuring compliance, and driving continuous improvement. The successful candidate will play a key role in budget management, financial reporting, and training staff in financial literacy. With a focus on enhancing financial sustainability, this position offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact within a vibrant community. Join a forward-thinking organization committed to excellence and innovation in public finance.

Benefits

Training and Development Opportunities

Flexible Working Hours

Employee Wellness Programs

Pension Scheme

Qualifications

• Experience in financial analysis and budget management.
• Strong knowledge of financial reporting and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Identify financial issues and assist managers in budget compliance.
• Support budget preparation and performance management reporting.

Skills

Financial Analysis

Budget Management

Financial Reporting

Change Management

Training and Development

Education

Degree in Finance or Accounting

Professional Finance Qualification (e.g., ACCA, CIMA)

Tools

Financial Software Systems

Excel

Job description

Job Introduction

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 recent restructure has established four key teams: Management Accounting; Corporate and Strategic Finance; Projects, Systems and Commercial; and Internal Audit, Risk, Business Development, and Improvement. The restructure includes increased capacity and investment in training and development.

A new service plan is being developed for 2025, with a clear strategic focus on delivering financial literacy across the organisation and enhancing the impact of the Finance team to support and drive the Council’s strategic plans, financial sustainability, and recovery programme.

The team has played a vital role in recent achievements, including:

• The lifting of the Best Value Notice by February 2025, an unprecedented achievement.
• A positive CIPFA review recognizing progress towards financial sustainability.
• Completion of the 2025/26 budget earlier than usual.
• Closure and audit sign-off of the 2022/23 and 2023/24 accounts with unqualified opinions.
• A positive half-year report from the Council’s Independent Board.

The Senior Finance Officer – Systems will support our dedicated finance system specialists in implementing and maintaining the Council’s financial systems infrastructure. This role is crucial for supporting the Council’s plans and financial sustainability, offering an opportunity to make a significant impact in our vibrant city.

We seek an exceptional, experienced individual to join as our Senior Finance Officer – Systems. You will work within our newly established Finance Department team, supporting, leading, developing, and reviewing systems and change management activities aimed at continuous improvement.

The main responsibilities include:

1. Identifying financial issues affecting the business and assisting managers in ensuring expenditure stays within budget, escalating unresolved issues.
2. Participating in monthly meetings with business areas to challenge and scrutinize monitoring figures.
3. Supporting Budget Managers during budget preparation, monitoring, and year-end processes, helping them understand financial information and procedures.
4. Maintaining specialised knowledge in financial disciplines to provide expert advice.
5. Supporting departments and budget holders with financial services like budget profiling, forecasting, and performance management reporting.
6. Representing the Strategic Finance Manager and Finance Manager on internal groups and project teams.
7. Organising and delivering training to enhance financial skills and knowledge.
8. Handling complex activities within the Accountancy function, including working on corporate projects and government returns.
9. Promoting continuous improvement, governance, risk management, and resource optimisation.

How to Apply

If interested, contact:

• Andrew Cross, Head of Management Accounting at 07870 386523 or [e-mail]
• Mike Thomas at 07738 128501 or [e-mail]

Further information is available through the links below, including the Job Profile and Candidate Information Pack:

• Budget Meeting of Council - 06 March 2025
• Statement of Accounts - 2023/24
• CBMDC - External Assurance Review

Employee Offer

Discover why to work for Bradford Council by viewing Our Employee Offer.pdf.

Equal Opportunities

We do not discriminate based on gender, marital status, gender re-assignment, pregnancy, sexual orientation, disability, race, ethnicity, religion, nationality, or age. We are committed to employing the most qualified individuals from diverse backgrounds. The RESPECT Allyship Programme is available to all staff, providing resources and learning opportunities about diverse communities.