Strategic Finance Manager - Projects and Commercial

City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council; Bradford; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A local council in the UK is seeking a Strategic Finance Manager to lead financial operations and support strategic initiatives. This role requires strong leadership and financial management skills to drive the council’s financial sustainability and operational excellence. Candidates should possess relevant educational qualifications and experience in a senior financial management role. The position is based in Bradford, and offers a chance to make a significant impact in the community.

Qualifications

• Experience in a senior financial management role.
• Ability to manage confidential and sensitive information.
• Proven track record of working with senior management and elected officials.

Responsibilities

• Lead and motivate a team of finance specialists.
• Advise on major projects and corporate initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with the Council's financial policies.

Skills

Leadership

Financial Management

Analytical Skills

Communication

Education

Relevant degree in finance or a related field

Tools

Financial management systems

Job description

Overview

Bradford Finance is undergoing significant change and investment. It is entering a new phase of development and strategic focus to support the Council's ambitious corporate strategy and plans. The department has been restructured into four key teams: Management Accounting; Corporate and Strategic Finance; Projects, Systems and Commercial; and Internal Audit, Risk, Business Development and Improvement. A greatly enhanced finance team is being developed during 2025 with a clear strategic focus and direction to elevate the impact of the Finance team within the organisation and support the Council's strategic plans while delivering financial sustainability and the recovery programme. The team has helped the Council achieve: the lifting of the Best Value Notice by February 2025, a positive CIPFA review, early completion of the 2025/26 budget, and timely closure and audit sign-off of the 2022/23 and 2023/24 accounts, among other achievements.

The Strategic Finance Manager (Projects & Commercial) role is crucial to delivering the Council's plans and future financial sustainability. It involves developing and providing a strategic vision for the service to meet future challenges and foster a culture of continuous improvement. This is an opportunity to make a real difference in our vibrant and diverse city.

Responsibilities

• To manage, lead and motivate a team of staff who provide a range of specialist functions.
• Advising on major special projects, corporate and capital initiatives across all areas of the Council and related parties where appropriate.
• To support and deputise for the Assistant Director of Finance Management Accounting and Head of Management Accounting in providing professional advice on projects and commercial matters in accordance with professional standards, legislative requirements and Council policies and procedures.
• To deal with complex, sensitive and confidential matters on a regular basis and liaise directly with Elected Members and senior management, Trade Unions, senior officers and external agencies, providing professional information and advice on financial matters and control issues. To brief the Assistant Director of Finance Management Accounting and the Strategic Director of Corporate Resources on matters of a significant or sensitive nature in a timely manner.
• To exercise wide-ranging and extensive authority when applying professional judgement, particularly with reference to technical accounting matters relating to projects, financial management systems and compliance with established policies and procedures.
• To ensure compliance with the Council's information governance policies by ensuring access to highly confidential, personal, financial and political information is maintained and does not allow for unauthorized disclosure of any information which would prejudice the interests of the Council.
• Develop and maintain working relationships with Elected Members, senior management and other senior officers, other Council services, external agencies and peer groups to ensure the service is at the forefront of innovation and change.
• Responsible for communicating corporate goals, values and objectives and all associated tasks relating to staff welfare, including staff appraisals, coaching and mentoring to assist with career progression and ensure staff operate within a learning culture, and ensuring corporate standards are met (e.g., management of sickness absence).
• Prepare and present appropriate reports to senior management and Elected Members as required. Support the Strategic Director of Corporate Resources/S151 in the approval of reports prepared for Executive and other Committees, including Corporate Overview & Scrutiny and Governance & Audit, providing advice and guidance as appropriate.
• Oversee the maintenance and good governance of the Council's Financial Systems and oversee the migration to an upgraded financial system.

How to Apply

If you are interested in joining our team and would like further information, please contact:

• Andrew Cross, Head of Management Accounting on 07870 386523 or email [e-mail]

Further information

Further information is available through the links below, along with the attached Job Profile and Candidate Information Pack.

Budget Meeting of Council - 06 March 2025

Statement of Accounts - 2023/24

CBMDC - External Assurance Review

Employee Offer

Why work for Bradford Council? Find out why by taking a look at Our Employee Offer.pdf.

Equal Opportunities

We do not discriminate against any applicant or employee on the grounds of gender, marital status, gender reassignment, pregnancy, sexual orientation, disability, race, colour, ethnic background, religion or belief, nationality or age. As an equal opportunities employer, the Council strives to employ the best qualified people from a diverse range of applicants. The RESPECT Allyship Programme is available to all staff, offering the opportunity to learn more about diverse communities and groups and providing added benefits and resources to its members.