Finance Officer

Derbyshire County Council; Derby; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government organization in Derby is seeking an experienced Finance Officer to manage specialist finance services. The role requires strong management skills and experience in public sector finance, with a focus on compliance and team development. The Finance Officer will oversee budgeting and provide expert advice across Children's Services, contributing to financial improvement projects. Join a supportive team that values work-life balance and offers professional development opportunities.

Benefits

Generous Annual Leave Scheme

Flexi Time Scheme

Local Government Pension Scheme

Wellbeing Support Framework

Training and Development opportunities

Cycle to Work Scheme

Electric/Hybrid Vehicle Salary Sacrifice Scheme

Derbyshire Rewards scheme

Qualifications

• CCAB Accountant or degree level 6 (professionally qualified) and/or significant public sector experience.
• Strong management experience with ability to meet performance targets.
• Excellent working knowledge of computerised financial systems.

Responsibilities

• Manage a specialist finance area for Childrens Services.
• Advise on complex financial matters for Heads of Service.
• Interpret legislation and ensure compliance.
• Oversee budget monitoring and forecasting.
• Supervise and develop Finance Assistants.

Skills

CCAB Accountant or equivalent experience

Management experience

Knowledge of financial systems

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Education

Degree level 6 (professionally qualified)

Tools

Microsoft packages

SAP

Fiori reporting

Job description

Overview

Closing date: 12 October 2025

Finance Officer

We’re looking for an experienced and proactive Finance Officer to join our Financial Management & Strategy team to help support Children's Services. This is a fantastic opportunity to take a lead role in delivering high-quality, specialist finance services across the organisation.

You’ll provide expert advice, technical support, and training to colleagues and stakeholders, helping to shape our finance function and drive continuous improvement. If you thrive on variety, responsibility, and making a difference, we’d love to hear from you.

The post is based at County Hall, Matlock, postholders will be required to work from the office between 1 & 3 days per week as well as from home, dependent on the needs of the service.

What will I be doing?

• Managing a specialist finance area, delivering comprehensive budgeting, accounting, and business partnering to a range of teams within Childrens Services.
• Advising and supporting colleagues and senior officers on complex financial matters, acting as a point of contact for Heads of Service across Childrens Services.
• Interpreting legislation and regulations to ensure compliance and developing new processes and procedures.
• Monitoring and improving financial systems and processes to ensure efficiency and best value.
• Leading and supporting projects to enhance financial data accuracy, forecasting, and budget.
• Overseeing budget monitoring and forecasting for large and complex budgets, including variance analysis.
• Supervising and developing Senior Finance Assistants and Finance Assistants.
• Preparing and submitting statutory returns, reports, and financial information for internal and external stakeholders.
• The Finance section is currently going through a Finance Improvement Project which is set to change the way we operate, as such there could be some changes to this role in the near future.

What skills and experience do I need?

• CCAB Accountant or degree level 6 (professionally qualified) and/or equivalent significant public sector experience.
• Strong management experience and ability to meet performance targets and deadlines.
• Excellent working knowledge of computerised financial systems (including Microsoft packages, SAP and Fiori reporting).
• Outstanding communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to interpret and apply legislation and financial regulations.

Why join us?

• Be part of a forward-thinking, supportive team making a real impact.
• Opportunities for professional development and training.
• Flexible working arrangements to support your work-life balance.
• The chance to shape and improve finance services across the organisation.

Support & Benefits:

• Generous Annual Leave Scheme (27 days increasing to 32 days after 5 years’ service): Ensuring a healthy work-life balance.
• Flexi Time Scheme: Up to two days flexi leave every four weeks (pro rata for part-time employees), subject to service needs.
• Local Government Pension Scheme: Providing financial security.
• Wellbeing Support Framework: Includes OH physician services, physiotherapy, CBT, and in-house counselling.
• Employee Wellbeing Support: Fast track physiotherapy, confidential psychological support services, Employee Assistance Programme, and “Wisdom” app.
• Training and Development: Opportunities for professional qualifications and ongoing training.
• Cycle to Work Scheme: Promoting a healthy lifestyle.
• Electric/Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle Salary Sacrifice Scheme: Encouraging environmentally friendly commuting options.
• Our Derbyshire Rewards: a package of benefits and discounts.
• and much more

Provisional Interview Date: Week Commencing 10 November 2025