Strategic Finance Manager

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

Benefits offered by this job

LGPS - Local Government Pension Scheme

Generous annual leave (31–34 days)

Flexible and family-friendly policies

Occupational health & wellbeing

Professional development opportunities

Career progression opportunities

Job summary

Bradford Children and Families Trust is seeking a Strategic Finance Manager for Children's Social Care in Bradford. The role leads strategic financial planning, forecasts, and long-term sustainability across Children’s Social Care, while directing a high-performing finance team and advising senior leaders.

The role requires CCAB qualification, extensive leadership experience in local authority settings, and a proven track record in financial governance, budget control and business partnering

Qualifications

• CCAB recognised professional accountancy qualification
• Evidence of ongoing personal, professional and leadership development
• Significant senior finance leadership experience within Local Authority and ideally Children’s Services
• Extensive experience of financial planning, budget management, forecasting and financial governance in a large organisation
• Experience of providing financial leadership and support to Children’s Social Care services
• 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
• Experience of developing and implementing complex financial strategies and policies
• Strong stakeholder management with ability to influence and credibility at all levels
• Experience leading organisational change, transformation programmes and service improvement initiatives
• Experience supporting transformation plans, sufficiency projects and strategic service developments

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic financial planning, forecasting and long-term sustainability for Children's Social Care
• Direct and develop a high-performing finance team with strong leadership
• Provide expert financial advice and business partnering to senior leaders and budget holders
• Develop and implement financial strategies, policies and frameworks aligned to priorities
• Influence strategic decisions through robust financial analysis and insight
• Lead transformation, sufficiency and service improvement programmes for value for money
• Build relationships with senior leaders, external partners, Bradford Council and stakeholders
• Support and deputise for the Director of Finance as required
• Contribute to strategic leadership as a member of Finance Management Team and SLT

Skills

CCAB qualification

Leadership development

Senior finance leadership

Financial planning & governance

Business partnering

Stakeholder management

Organisational change

Strategic financial analysis

Education

CCAB recognised professional accountancy qualification

Job description

Strategic Finance Manager - Children's Social Care

Salary: Grade Special D SCP LG1-LG5 - £65,022 - £75,728 (Pay award pending) Permanent | 37 hours per week | Bradford

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.

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.

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.