Senior Public Finance Leader — Budget & Treasury

Connect2Halton; Widnes; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Connect2Halton, representing Halton Borough Council, seeks a Principal Finance Officer to lead financial planning, reporting and governance. You will guide senior managers, elected Members and budget holders while developing the finance team and ensuring high-quality financial services across the council.

You will provide specialist financial advice, oversee revenue and capital budgets, year-end statements, VAT and Agresso ledger tasks, and drive continuous improvement in financial management.

Qualifications

• Experience in local government finance.
• Strong analytical skills with ability to interpret complex financial data.
• Experience preparing year-end financial statements and statutory accounts.
• Excellent knowledge of local government accounting and financial management.
• Highly organised with ability to plan and manage own and team workload.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and monitor revenue budgets and the capital programme.
• Oversee year-end accounts and statutory financial statements.
• Lead the Council's treasury management function, including borrowing and investments.
• Oversee capital financing, VAT returns and general ledger maintenance (Agresso).
• Ensure effective budgetary controls and compliance with Financial Regulations.
• Oversee grant claims, external funding, and statutory returns.
• Provide financial advice and training to budget managers and senior stakeholders.
• Lead and develop the finance team and liaise with external auditors.
• Liaise with Government departments and external organisations.

Skills

Local government finance

Financial analysis

Budgeting

Leadership

Public sector accounting

Education

CCAB or CIMA qualified

Job description

Connect2Halton, representing Halton Borough Council, seeks a Principal Finance Officer to lead financial planning, reporting and governance. You will guide senior managers, elected Members and budget holders while developing the finance team and ensuring high-quality financial services across the council.

You will provide specialist financial advice, oversee revenue and capital budgets, year-end statements, VAT and Agresso ledger tasks, and drive continuous improvement in financial management.