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 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:
- 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 Strategic Finance Manager (Systems) role is crucial to the delivery of the Council’s plans and future financial sustainability. The post is key to 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 exceptional individual to lead as our Strategic Finance Manager (Systems) to join our Corporate and Strategic team in the Finance Department.
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 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. This includes strategic oversight of both finance and related systems to meet corporate priorities ensuring there is a combined focus on ensuring priorities are delivered within agreed timescale.
- 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.
- To provide the strategic direction for the development and maintenance of financial systems and practices. Ensure that information is held in an interactive and intuitive medium to assist with decision making by senior management.
- To 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.
- To provide and contribute to developing systems that enable concise and intuitive financial information to Strategic Directors, CMT and Members to influence the long-term financial sustainability of the Council, whilst meeting priorities.
- To promote business solutions ensuring the Council maximises its position, liaising with external advisors as appropriate.
- To liaise with key stakeholders, both internal and external, to ensure that local economic and socio-economic changes are reflected within financial forecasting and the budget projections.
- To work with the Assistant Director of Finance – Corporate and Strategic, Head of Management Accounting and the Head of Strategic and Corporate Finance on the analysis of government announcements, funding settlements and policy statements to ensure that financial implications are captured and reflected within financial forecasting systems developments and projections. Ensure that legislative changes, public sector expectations and funding allocations are financially appraised, statutory requirements have been met and income has been maximised and correctly accounted.
- Oversee the maintenance and good governance and practices associated with the Councils current 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 Celia.Yang@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.
