Job Introduction
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 Finance Manager (Management Accounting) role is crucial to the day-to-day delivery of the finance function. Working with departments and partners the successful candidate will be an essential part of delivering the Council’s plans and future financial sustainability. The posts are crucial to developing the department and of the service whilst enabling 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 a number of Finance Managers (Management Accounting) 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). The successful candidates will be expected to lead, develop and ensure implementation and review change management programmes to deliver continual improvement.
The main responsibilities of this role are:
- To positively support and deliver the vision, values and strategic objectives of the Council’s services through providing constructive and timely advice on financial matters identifying innovative solutions as appropriate.
- To work with Budget Managers in allocated service departments to confirm savings. To support analysis of capital projects and assist with costing potential pressures and saving, actively participate in regular meetings with business area to challenge and scrutinise monitoring figures, undertake service analysis to support the year-end position and the Financial Statements and other returns.
- To anticipate and identify key financial issues and risks affecting the business which require attention, resolve issues with Senior Managers and identify mitigating actions to ensure net expenditure is within budget, escalate to Strategic Finance Manager and other senior colleagues any business issues not resolved by Service Managers.
- To be an effective liaison point between the Strategic and Corporate Finance team and Government Departments to ensure completion of all statutory returns.
- With the Strategic and Corporate Finance Teams produce financial and commercial analysis to support the financial strategy, decision making and service reviews. Help to deliver robust financial and commercial analysis for business cases including signing-off financial implications for reports and for Gateway Reviews.
- To manage financial modelling of new services or changes to existing services including impact from specific legislation /policy changes, assess implications for the Council.
- To provide support (guidance, encouragement, challenge and advice) to Budget Managers during budget preparation, monthly monitoring, year-end and closure of accounts – helping them to understand the financial information required and processes to be followed
- To deputise for the Head of Management Accounting and/or the Strategic Finance Manager on all finance related and other matters within their areas of expertise as required. The postholder will be required to substitute or deputise for other Finance Managers in the team as required.
- To proactively manage the day-to-day performance of staff within direct control (reward good and address poor performance) including recruitment, appraisal, conflict resolution and ensure continuing professional development of self and team.
- To develop and maintain working relationships with top management and other senior officers, other Council services, external agencies and peer groups working corporately and cooperatively to ensure the service is at the forefront of innovation and change.
- To represent and promote the Council on finance issues at appropriate local, regional and national forums and maintain and develop working relationships with professional bodies and other groups to ensure effective representation and promote meaningful networking.
How to Apply
If you are interested in joining our team and would like some further information, please contact
- Andrew Cross, Head of Management Accounting on 07870 386523 or email Andrew.Cross@Bradford.gov.uk or
- Mike Thomas on 07738 128501 or email Mike.Thomas@Bradford.gov.uk.
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. And, 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, which offers the opportunity to learn more about the diverse communities & groups and provides added benefits and resources to its members.
