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Bradford Children and Families Trust; Bradford; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous annual leave

LGPS

Flexible policies

Wellbeing support

Professional development

Career progression

Job summary

Bradford Children and Families Trust is seeking an experienced Strategic Finance Manager to lead financial planning for Children’s Social Care. You will work with the Director of Finance and senior teams to drive sustainable expenditure and financial resilience.

You will manage a finance team, provide robust financial insight, and partner with budget holders to deliver value for money across services. Hybrid working with a strong governance framework is offered.

Qualifications

• CCAB recognised accounting qualification.
• Evidence of ongoing leadership development.
• Significant senior finance leadership experience in Local Authority or similar.
• Extensive experience in financial planning, budgeting, forecasting and governance.
• Experience of business partnering with senior leaders and Executive Teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic financial planning, forecasting and long‑term sustainability for Children’s Social Care.
• Direct and develop a high‑performing finance team.
• Provide expert financial advice and business partnering to senior leaders and budget holders.
• Develop and implement financial strategies and policies aligned to priorities.
• Influence decision‑making through robust analysis and challenge.
• Lead transformation, sufficiency and service improvement programmes to secure value for money.

Skills

Strategic finance

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Business partnering

Financial governance

Transformation

Education

CCAB recognised professional accountancy qualification

Job description

Strategic Finance Manager - Children's Social Care

Permanent | 37 hours per week | Bradford

Salary: £65,022 to £75,728 a year

Location: Bradford, BD5 0QL

Working pattern: Hybrid - 3 days remote

Bradford Children and Families Trust is one of the largest Children's Trusts in the country, delivering vital services to children, young people and families across the Bradford District.

As an independent organisation commissioned by Bradford Council, we have our own governance arrangements, financial systems and strategic priorities. With an annual turnover of more than £240 million, we play a critical role in ensuring resources are used effectively to deliver positive outcomes for children and families.

We are looking for an experienced and ambitious Strategic Finance Manager to join our senior leadership team and help shape the financial future of the Trust.

Why Join Us?

This is a rare opportunity to influence strategic decision‑making across a large and complex organisation at a time of significant ambition and transformation.

Working closely with the Director of Finance, Executive Management Team, Trust Board and senior leaders, you will provide strategic financial leadership that supports sustainable service delivery, continuous improvement and long‑term financial resilience.

You will lead our Finance Business Partnering function for Children's Social Care and play a key role in delivering the Trust's vision for children, young people and families.

About the Role

• Lead strategic financial planning, forecasting and long-term financial sustainability activities across Children's Social Care.
• Direct and develop a high‑performing finance team, providing leadership, support and professional challenge.
• Provide expert financial advice and business partnering support to senior leaders, budget holders and stakeholders.
• Develop and implement financial strategies, policies and frameworks that support organisational priorities.
• Influence strategic decision‑making through robust financial analysis, insight and challenge.
• Lead and support transformation, sufficiency and service improvement programmes to deliver value for money and sustainable outcomes.
• Build strong relationships with senior leaders, external partners, Bradford Council and wider stakeholders.
• Support and deputise for the Director of Finance as required.
• Contribute to the strategic leadership of the Trust as a member of the Finance Management Team and Senior Leadership Team.

About You

• A CCAB recognised professional accountancy qualification.
• Evidence of ongoing personal, professional and leadership development.
• Significant senior finance leadership experience within Local Authority and ideally experience in Children's Services.
• Extensive experience of financial planning, budget management, forecasting and financial governance within a large organisation.
• Experience of providing financial leadership and support to Children's Social Care services.
• A proven track record of leading and developing high‑performing finance teams.
• Experience of business partnering with senior leaders and advising Executive Teams, Boards and elected members or equivalent governing bodies.
• Experience of developing and implementing complex financial strategies and policies.
• Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence, challenge and build credibility at all levels.
• Experience leading organisational change, transformation programmes and service improvement initiatives.
• Experience supporting transformation plans, sufficiency projects and strategic service developments.

Our Values

Our strategic vision and values underpin everything we do. We are committed to creating a supportive and inclusive environment where colleagues can thrive, develop and make a meaningful difference to children and families.

Our approach is rooted in restorative and relational practice, fostering trust, mutual respect and positive relationships with children, families and professionals.

Benefits

• Generous annual leave starting at 31 days, rising to 34 days with service, plus bank holidays.
• Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Flexible and family‑friendly policies.
• Occupational Health and wellbeing support services.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Career progression pathways within a growing organisation.

Closing Date: 20 September 2026

Interview Date: 30 September 2026

This role requires a Standard DBS check, which will be carried out as part of our pre-employment checks for the successful candidate

Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme