Strategic Finance Manager

CITY OF BRADFORD METROPOLITAN DISTRICT COUNCIL; Bradford; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Bradford is seeking up to four Strategic Finance Managers to lead the financial direction of its service areas. This vital role involves updating the Medium Term Financial strategy, identifying savings opportunities, and enhancing financial forecasting to support the Council's strategic objectives. Ideal candidates should possess strong leadership skills and relevant professional qualifications. This position offers a chance to make a meaningful impact in a vibrant community.

Qualifications

• Experience in leading strategic financial direction.
• Ability to identify savings opportunities and develop financial forecasts.
• Strong analytical skills and proficiency in financial reporting.

Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic financial direction for the Council's service areas.
• Update the Council's Medium Term Financial strategy.
• Identify and confirm savings proposals across services.
• Develop commercial opportunities in financial services.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic Financial Planning

Project Management

Change Management

Education

Relevant Professional Qualification (e.g., ACCA, CIMA)

Job description

Bradford Finance is undergoing significant change and investment. Having been under resourced for a number of years it is now entering a new phase of development and strategic focus in order to support the Council's ambitious new corporate strategy and plans. A restructure has recently completed with the department now comprising four key teams: Management Accounting; Corporate and Strategic Finance; Projects, Systems and Commercial; and Internal Audit, Risk, Business Development and Improvement. The restructure includes significant additional capacity and investment in training and development. A new service plan is being developed during 2025 with a clear strategic focus and direction including a development plan to focus on delivering financial literacy across the organisation, while at the same time, elevating the impact of the Finance team within the organisation to support and drive the Council's strategic plans whilst delivering its financial sustainability and recovery programme. The team has recently been highly instrumental in the last 12 months in helping the Council secure:

• The lifting of the Best Value Notice put in place in February 2024 by February 2025, an unprecedented achievement.
• A very positive review by CIPFA about progress being made in Bradford to become financially sustainable. CIPFA cites progress being made in several key areas, including the addressing of risks identified in the previous review of 2023. They also report that financial planning in Bradford is robust, savings proposals are well considered and are being delivered, even where choices are difficult.
• Completion of the 2025/26 budget much earlier than previously.
• closure and audit sign off of the 2022/23 and 2023/24 accounts in the last 4 months, both with an unqualified opinion.
• a very positive half year report by the Council's Independent Board.

The Strategic Finance Manager role is crucial to the delivery of the Council's plans and future financial sustainability. The post is key to developing and providing a strategic vision for the future development of the service to enable the council to meet its future challenges whilst fostering a culture of continuous improvement. This role is an opportunity to make a real difference in our vibrant and diverse city.

We are looking for up to four Strategic Finance Managers to join our dedicated team in the Finance Department. You will work closely with senior leaders either in one of our four departments: Adult Social Care, Children's Services, Corporate Resources or Place (including HRA), or, in the Corporate and Strategic Finance Team leading Financial Planning. The successful candidates will be expected to lead, develop and ensure implementation and review change management programmes to deliver continual improvement.

Responsibilities

• To work with Strategic Directors and Assistant Directors in allocated service areas to lead the setting of the strategic financial direction of the service required to deliver the Council priorities.
• To take responsibility for the Council's Medium Term Financial strategy as it relates to allocated service departments and ensure this is updated quarterly or as required to ensure changes in strategic direction are captured on a timely basis.
• To identify savings opportunities across the service and then work with Budget Managers to confirm savings proposals and ensure capital projects assist with costing potential pressures and savings.
• To champion and drive the development of commercial and other opportunities where appropriate.
• To manage the development and continuous improvement of medium- and long-term financial forecasting within the Council.
• To promote business solutions through the delivery of financial services, ensuring principles of best value, value for money and risk management are embedded into service delivery.
• To provide concise and intuitive financial information to Strategic Directors, CMT and Members to influence the long-term financial sustainability of the Council, whilst meeting priorities.