Strategic Finance Manager - Systems

Local Government Chronicle; Bradford; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government organization in Bradford is seeking a Strategic Finance Manager to lead financial systems development and ensure the alignment of financial strategies with corporate priorities. The successful candidate will implement change management programs, support strategic financial direction, and foster continuous improvement within the finance team. This role offers a competitive salary and the opportunity to influence the Council's financial sustainability.

Qualifications

• Experience managing financial systems and processes.
• Ability to lead change management initiatives.
• Proven track record in strategic financial planning.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of financial systems.
• Support strategic financial direction for the Council.
• Liaise with stakeholders to address financial issues.

Skills

Financial systems development

Strategic financial direction

Change management

Stakeholder engagement

Risk management

Education

Relevant professional qualifications

Job description

Overview

Strategic Finance Manager - Systems

Closing Date: 28/09/2025

Salary: £65,022.00 - £75,728.00

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 greatly enhanced finance team is being developed during 2025 with a clear strategic focus and direction including a development plan 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 notable achievements and financial stability.

We are looking for an exceptional individual to lead as our Strategic Finance Manager (Systems) to join our Corporate and Strategic team in the Finance Department. The successful candidate will lead, develop and ensure implementation and review change management programmes to deliver continual improvement. The role is crucial to delivering the Council’s plans and future financial sustainability, developing a strategic vision for the service, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• To support the S151, Strategic Directors and Assistant Directors in service areas to provide systems support and development that enables the strategic financial direction of the Council to be achieved, including strategic oversight of finance and related systems to meet corporate priorities and timelines.
• Anticipate and identify key financial issues and risks affecting the business which require attention and systems solutions, resolve issues with Senior Managers and identify mitigating actions.
• Provide the strategic direction for the development and maintenance of financial systems and practices, ensuring information is held in an interactive and intuitive medium to aid decision making by senior management.
• Support and deputise for the Assistant Director of Finance – Corporate and Strategic in providing expert professional advice on system matters in line with professional standards, legislative requirements and Council policies and procedures.
• Develop systems that enable concise and intuitive financial information for Strategic Directors, CMT and Members to influence long-term financial sustainability while meeting priorities.
• Promote business solutions and liaise with external advisors as appropriate to maximise the Council’s position.
• Liaise with key stakeholders, internal and external, to ensure local economic and socio-economic changes are reflected within financial forecasting and budget projections.
• Work with the Assistant Director of Finance – Corporate and Strategic, Head of Management Accounting and Head of Strategic and Corporate Finance to analyse government announcements, funding settlements and policy statements for inclusion in forecasting systems and projections; ensure legislative changes are reflected and income is maximised and correctly accounted.
• Oversee the maintenance, governance and practices 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 some further information, please contact:

• Celia Yang, Head of Corporate and Strategic Finance on 07977 814829 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 directly or indirectly on the grounds of gender, marital status, gender re-assignment, 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 opportunities to learn about diverse communities and groups.

Bradford Council – Bradford, UK – Permanent – £65,022.00 - £75,728.00 – Published on 4 Sep 2025.