Finance Manager

Local Government

Salary - Circa £55K - £60K

Permanent

Hybrid working

I am currently working with a large unitary authority in Greater London (West) on the appointment of a number of Finance Manager roles across its finance function.

These posts sit across different service areas and portfolios, so there is scope for candidates with a range of local government finance backgrounds. This is a good opportunity for qualified finance professionals who enjoy working closely with services, supporting budget holders and providing practical financial advice in a complex public sector environment.

Rather than being a purely corporate role, these positions are very much focused on day-to-day financial management, business partnering and supporting operational and strategic decision-making within assigned areas. Successful candidates will work closely with budget managers and senior stakeholders, helping services manage budgets effectively, respond to financial pressures and improve financial understanding across the organisation.

The remit will include budget monitoring, forecasting, financial analysis, modelling, support with savings proposals and capital projects, and contributing to business cases and service reviews. The roles will also support budget preparation, monthly monitoring and year-end processes, while helping to ensure sound financial control, accurate reconciliations and compliance with financial procedures.

There is also a strong service-facing element to these posts. Finance Managers will be expected to provide constructive challenge and support to non-finance managers, explain financial issues clearly and help services make informed, evidence-based decisions. Alongside this, they will contribute to change and continuous improvement across the finance function and support the development of a strong performance culture within their teams.

I am keen to speak with candidates who have a strong grounding in local government finance and experience of working in a business partnering or service finance role within a large and complex organisation. You will need to be comfortable dealing with competing priorities, advising stakeholders at different levels and using financial information to support both immediate and longer-term decisions.

To be considered, you will be able to demonstrate:

• experience in a finance role within a large, complex organisation, ideally within local government.
• strong budgeting, forecasting and financial analysis skills.
• experience of working closely with budget holders and non-finance stakeholders
• the ability to provide clear financial advice and challenge in a practical, solutions-focused way.
• experience of financial modelling, business cases or service reviews.
• a track record of contributing to service improvement and change.
• strong communication and stakeholder management skills.

Applicants should hold a relevant professional accountancy qualification such as CCAB or CIMA, or overseas equivalent, together with degree-level or equivalent relevant experience.

A number of posts are available across different areas, making this a strong opportunity for candidates with service finance, business partnering or operational finance experience to have a confidential discussion ahead of the formal campaign launch.

For a confidential conversation and to register your interest, please get in touch.