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 Specialist – Projects and Special Initiatives will be a key member of the Projects, Special Initiatives and Commercial team working on a wide range of activity that will be crucial to the delivery of the Council’s plans and future financial sustainability. The postholder will be a part of developing and providing a strategic vision for the future development of the service to enable 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 an experienced and highly professional individual to become one of our two Finance Specialist – Projects and Special Initiatives in our dedicated specialist team in the Finance Department. The successful candidate will be expected to lead, develop and ensure implementation and review of projects, special initiatives and commercial propositions whilst assisting with the management of change whilst initiating innovative solutions that help 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 projects matters identifying innovative solutions as appropriate.
- To lead work on behalf of the Head of Projects Systems and Commercial to work with Managers in service departments to confirm project requirements and changes in order to support revenue and capital accounting and monitoring. To review and challenge business case applications and support for the governance processes such as the Project Appraisal Group.
- To anticipate and identify project impacts of key financial issues and risks affecting the business which require attention, resolve issues with Senior Managers and identify mitigating actions to ensure programmes and project remain on track and 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 Systems, Projects and Commercial team and Departments, Corporate and Strategic Finance team and Government Departments to ensure completion of all statutory returns related to projects and programmes.
- To ensure project support including the delivery of 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 service users 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 Strategic Finance Specialist or other Finance Specialist – Projects and Special Initiatives on finance and other related matters on the programmes and projects within their remit their other areas of expertise as required. The postholder will be expected to substitute or deputise for other Finance Specialists as required.
- 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 projects and service 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.
- To actively seek continuous improvement in the performance and development of the Finance Service and facilitating best value in service delivery.
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.
