Strategic Finance Manager

Adecco; Padham's Green; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Adecco are recruiting on behalf of a Local Authority for an experienced Strategic Finance Manager to join their Finance Service in Barking. You will lead financial planning, reporting, and governance across a large organisation, shaping long-term financial strategy and supporting major transformation programmes.

This permanent, hybrid role offers £69,984 - £76,005 per annum, 35 hours per week, with a strong focus on developing the finance team and delivering value for money across Council

Qualifications

• CCAB accounting qualification with at least two years post-qualification experience and membership of a professional accountancy body.
• Significant experience providing strategic financial support within a large, complex organisation, ideally within local government.
• Strong knowledge of local authority accounting, financial reporting, budget management, and regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

• Leading the development and implementation of financial strategies aligned to the Council's objectives.
• Providing strategic financial advice to Directors, Heads of Service, and elected Members.
• Overseeing budget setting, medium-term financial planning, forecasting, and financial reporting.
• Leading annual accounts closure processes and ensuring compliance with relevant accounting standards and legislation.
• Delivering financial modelling, business cases, option appraisals, and investment analysis.
• Identifying financial risks and developing appropriate mitigation strategies.
• Supporting transformation, commercial, and income generation initiatives.
• Managing and developing a high-performing finance team.
• Driving continuous improvement, innovation, and best practice across financial management processes.

Skills

Stakeholder management

Financial modelling

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Education

CCAB accounting qualification

Job description

Strategic Finance Manager

Adecco are recruiting on behalf of the a Local Authority for an experienced Strategic Finance Manager to join their Finance Service.

• Barking Town Hall, Barking
• £69,984 - £76,005 per annum
• 35 hours per week
• Hybrid Working - 3 days office based
• Permanent

This is an exciting opportunity for a qualified finance professional to play a key role in shaping the Council's long-term financial strategy, supporting major transformation programmes, and ensuring sound financial governance across a large and complex organisation.

The Role

As Strategic Finance Manager, you will provide strategic financial leadership and expert advice to senior stakeholders, helping to drive informed decision-making, financial sustainability, and value for money across Council services. You will lead financial planning, reporting, compliance, and performance management activities while supporting corporate priorities and service transformation initiatives.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Leading the development and implementation of financial strategies aligned to the Council's objectives.
• Providing strategic financial advice to Directors, Heads of Service, and elected Members.
• Overseeing budget setting, medium-term financial planning, forecasting, and financial reporting.
• Leading annual accounts closure processes and ensuring compliance with relevant accounting standards and legislation.
• Delivering financial modelling, business cases, option appraisals, and investment analysis.
• Identifying financial risks and developing appropriate mitigation strategies.
• Supporting transformation, commercial, and income generation initiatives.
• Managing and developing a high-performing finance team.
• Driving continuous improvement, innovation, and best practice across financial management processes.

About You

We are seeking a forward-thinking finance leader with strong local government finance experience and a passion for driving organisational improvement.

You will have:

• A recognised CCAB accounting qualification with at least two years post-qualification experience and membership of a professional accountancy body.
• Significant experience providing strategic financial support within a large, complex organisation, ideally within local government.
• Strong knowledge of local authority accounting, financial reporting, budget management, and regulatory requirements.
• Proven experience of financial planning, budget monitoring, year-end accounts closure, and delivering successful audit outcomes.
• Advanced financial modelling, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience managing and developing finance teams.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to influence at all levels.
• A track record of driving innovation, transformation, and continuous improvement.

Why Apply?

This is an opportunity to join a progressive local authority at a strategic level, where you will have a direct impact on financial decision-making, service delivery, and the future sustainability of the organisation. You'll work alongside senior leaders, contribute to major transformation programmes, and help shape the financial future of one of London's most ambitious boroughs.