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 Senior Finance Officer – Systems is crucial to supporting the small, dedicated team of finance system specialists who will be at the forefront of implementing and maintaining the council’s future financial systems infrastructure. The role will, by its nature, support the delivery of the Council’s plans and future financial sustainability. This role is an opportunity to make a real difference in our vibrant and diverse city.
We are looking for an exceptional and experienced individual to join us as as our Senior Finance Officer – Systems. You will work in our newly established team in the Finance Department. The successful candidate will be expected to support, lead, develop and ensure implementation and review of systems and change management activities that seek to deliver continual improvement.
The main responsibilities of this role are:
- Anticipate and identify financial issues affecting the business, help managers to ensure net expenditure is within budget, escalate any business issues not resolved by Service Managers.
- Contribute to regular monthly meetings with business area to challenge and scrutinise (offer critical evaluation of) monitoring figures.
- Provide support to Budget Managers during budget preparation, monthly monitoring, year-end and closure of accounts, help them to understand the financial information required and processes to be followed.
- To research and maintain specialised knowledge in various financial disciplines to provide expert advice to and on behalf of the Council.
- Support service departments and budget holders by providing a comprehensive financial support service which will include budget profiling and forecasting with links to performance management information. Prepare and present reports as required.
- Represent the Strategic Finance Manager and Finance Manager on internal working groups and project teams.
- Organise, deliver and participate in training events to improve the skills, knowledge and understanding of financial and non-financial managers.
- Undertake more complex financial activities within the Accountancy function including working on corporate projects, government and other returns and multi-disciplinary working parties.
- Promote continuous improvement by maintaining knowledge of relevant guidance, ensuring quality and consistency of financial information and and promoting governance and risk management awareness and the maximising of resources to improve value for money.
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.
