Group Finance Managers

Wakefield Council; Wakefield; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Wakefield is seeking a Group Finance Manager to lead financial planning and reporting. This pivotal role involves providing expert financial advice, managing a team, and ensuring compliance with regulations. The ideal candidate is a CCAB qualified accountant with strategic financial management experience, strong leadership skills, and knowledge of local government finance. Competitive salary and a flexible working environment are offered.

Benefits

Flexible working environment

Opportunities for professional development

Impactful role in local government

Competitive salary and benefits

Qualifications

• Proven strategic financial management experience in a large, complex organisation.
• Strong understanding of local government finance.
• Skilled in financial systems and data analysis tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead financial planning, monitoring, and reporting in a specific directorate area.
• Provide expert financial advice on service delivery and policy development.
• Ensure compliance with financial regulations and corporate policies.

Skills

Strategic financial management

Leadership

Analytical skills

Communication

Financial systems management

Education

CCAB qualified accountant

Tools

Data analysis tools

Job description

Overview

Are you a strategic thinker with a passion for public sector finance? Wakefield Council are seeking Group Finance Managers to play a pivotal role in shaping the financial future of our organisation. About the Role Reporting to a senior member of the finance management team you will support the Section 151 Officer in delivering effective financial management and ensuring proper stewardship of council resources. You'll lead a team of finance professionals, providing expert advice and innovative solutions to support transformation and optimise the use of resources across the Council. This is a high-impact role where you'll contribute to strategic financial planning working closely with senior managers in your partner areas, oversee budget setting and monitoring, and ensure compliance with statutory and professional standards. You may also represent Financial Services at key meetings locally, regionally, and nationally as required.

Responsibilities

• Lead financial planning, monitoring, and reporting in a particular directorate area - for example, Adult Social Care, Children’s Young People Services or cross council Transformation/corporate services.
• Provide expert financial advice on service delivery and policy development.
• Drive improvements in financial systems and processes.
• Manage and develop a team of finance professionals.
• Support performance management and service improvement initiatives.
• Lead on financial aspects of innovative investment schemes.
• Ensure compliance with financial regulations and corporate policies.
• Reporting to a senior member of the finance management team you will support the Section 151 Officer in delivering effective financial management and ensuring proper stewardship of council resources.
• You’ll lead a team of finance professionals, providing expert advice and innovative solutions to support transformation and optimise the use of resources across the Council.

Qualifications

• CCAB qualified accountant.
• Proven strategic financial management experience in a large, complex organisation.
• Strong understanding of local government finance.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and analytical skills.
• Skilled in financial systems and data analysis tools.

Desirable

• Considerable post‑qualification experience.
• Management development training.
• Team management experience.

Benefits

• A flexible working environment.
• Opportunities for professional development.
• A chance to make a real impact in local government.
• Competitive salary and benefits.

Employment Checks

• Proof of right to work in the UK.
• Evidence of essential qualifications.
• Two satisfactory references.
• Medical fitness confirmation.
• DBS check (if applicable).

Ready to make a difference?