Public Sector Finance Manager – Hybrid & Leadership

Milton-Keynes-Council; Milton Keynes; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Holiday entitlement (28 days + service

Excellent pension (LGPS)

Family-friendly policies

Employee benefits programme

Salary sacrifice car scheme

Blue Light Card discounts

Job summary

Milton Keynes City Council is recruiting a Finance Manager to help keep the council financially sound and optimise resource use. You will be the finance lead for Children and Families services and a key member of the Finance Management Team, collaborating with senior leaders to strengthen plans, manage complex budgets and support informed decisions.

You will lead and develop a team, improve financial processes and help ensure public money is managed openly and responsibly.

Qualifications

• Qualified accountant with ongoing professional development.
• Inclusive manager who can motivate and develop colleagues.
• Experience in financial planning, control and reporting within a complex public sector.
• Ability to explain complex financial information to senior stakeholders.
• Skilled in producing accessible reports, presentations and financial models.
• Willing to challenge assumptions and deliver high‑quality work.

Responsibilities

• Lead the financial support provided to allocated service areas and contribute to ongoing improvement of the Finance Service.
• Manage, support and develop team members, set priorities and maintain high professional standards.
• Lead the Medium Term Financial Plan process for allocated services, review pressures and savings proposals.
• Report on complex budgets, forecast challenges and ensure delivery of savings.
• Oversee year-end closure of accounts and coordinate with external audit.
• Provide financial advice on projects, procurement and contracts in line with governance.

Skills

Financial planning

Budget reporting

Stakeholder communication

Leadership and mentorship

Financial modelling

Accountancy CPD

Education

CCAB membership

Job description

Milton Keynes City Council is recruiting a Finance Manager to help keep the council financially sound and optimise resource use. You will be the finance lead for Children and Families services and a key member of the Finance Management Team, collaborating with senior leaders to strengthen plans, manage complex budgets and support informed decisions.

You will lead and develop a team, improve financial processes and help ensure public money is managed openly and responsibly.