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 role of Strategic Finance Specialist - Projects and Special Initiatives 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 join our dedicated team in the Finance Department and lead as our Strategic Finance Specialist - Projects and Special Initiatives. The successful candidate will be expected to lead, develop and ensure implementation and review of change management programmes to deliver continual improvement.
The main responsibilities of this role are:
- To directly support the Head of Projects, Systems and Commercial, Assistant Director and Director of Finance in providing leadership and proactive and creative advice when considering the financial implications of major new projects and business initiatives
- To provide highly specialist, often commercially sensitive information, advice and guidance to elected Members, senior management and project lead officers, working within recognised project management best practice and high professional standards to ensure delivery of projects / initiatives.
- To provide challenge and strategic support on financial matters at all stages during project development through to financial close of major contracts such as private finance Initiative schemes.
- To contribute to cross cutting corporate projects, working in multi-disciplinary working parties and steering groups.
- To anticipate and identify key financial issues and risks in projects affecting the business which require attention and systems solutions, resolve issues with Senior Managers and identify mitigating actions to ensure net expenditure is within budget, escalate to Head of Projects, Systems and Commercial and other senior colleagues any business issues not resolved by Service Managers.
- To work alongside service departments and project officers to maximise corporate performance and outcomes, including the preparation and presentation of business cases, including financial modelling.
- To provide project support that enables 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 take the lead on major service-related initiatives such as ‘value for money’ service reviews in partnership with other departments of the Council, legislative changes with significant financial implications, such key partnerships and other externally funded initiatives, including Lottery and other funding bids.
- To promote business solutions ensuring the Council maximises its position, liaising with external advisors as appropriate. To assist with the management, development and continuous improvement of medium- and long-term financial projects both capital and revenue within the Council. To liaise with government departments and strategic groups to enable best practice and shared knowledge.
- To manage, lead and motivate a small team of staff with highly technical and specialist skills as and when appropriate.
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.
