Finance Manager
Salary: PO4 £46,142 - £49,282
Hours: 37 hours per week
Contract: Permanent
Location: Leeds City Council, Civic Hall, hybrid working 1‑2 days per week.
What We Offer You
* A competitive salary and annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays
* Membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions
* Flexible and hybrid working arrangements subject to service requirements
* A clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities
* A range of staff benefits to help you boost your wellbeing and make your money go further
Job Purpose
Working as part of a team providing comprehensive financial management services to directorate‑based senior officers, the post‑holder will model the Council’s values and behaviours to help the council achieve its ambitions.
Responsibilities
* Provide expert operational financial advice and management information to officers, members, and internal stakeholders.
* Utilise service data and financial forecasts to ensure budgets are effectively managed and risks identified.
* Provide independent challenge, analysis, and interpretation of financial and performance information.
* Collaborate with senior officers and budget‑holders to produce annual revenue and capital budgets, budget action plans, contingency plans, and in‑year monitoring reports.
* Support investment/disinvestment decisions and development of complex business cases.
* Promote efficient stewardship of assets and resources, supporting implementation of Internal Audit recommendations.
* Prepare year‑end accounts and other financial returns.
* Line‑manage a small number of Assistant Finance Business Partners and/or Finance Officers.
* Maintain financial systems, processes and procedures.
Qualifications
AAT qualified or equivalent (including substantial relevant work experience within a financial environment).
Essential Requirements
* Ability to provide independent challenge, analysis, and interpretation of financial and performance information.
* Good written and oral communication and interpersonal skills.
* Ability to plan and organise work with minimum supervision and meet strict deadlines.
* Sound problem‑solving, analytical, and financial skills.
* Ability to present financial information clearly to appropriate recipients.
* Ability to understand and meet customer expectations.
* Ability to establish credibility with senior management and stakeholders.
Knowledge and Experience
* Up‑to‑date knowledge of financial and accounting developments.
* Sound working knowledge of core financial business processes: budget planning, monitoring, reporting, and closure of accounts.
* Good knowledge of the specific financial and business context facing a service directorate and relevant legislation.
* Understanding of managers’ responsibilities for health and safety.
* Practical experience providing financial support to directorate‑based managers.
* Management experience including staff supervision, training, and development.
* Experience supporting decision making and service delivery improvements in a financial setting.
Behavioural & Other Characteristics
* Take ownership of personal development.
* Demonstrate a positive, credible and reliable attitude.
* Understand and embrace Leeds City Council values.
* Committed to continuous improvement and the Leeds Ambitions.
* Observe Council policies and procedures.
* Participate in appraisal, training, and development activities.
* Support diversity, equality, and inclusion, operating in an anti‑discriminatory manner.
* Recognise and appropriately challenge incidents of racism, bullying, harassment, etc., reporting concerns.
* Flexible and adaptable to change, working within the council’s flexibility protocol.
EEO Statement
We welcome applications from everyone and actively seek a diverse range of applicants from all backgrounds and cultures. We particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to, women, carers, veterans, LGBT+, ethnically diverse, disabled, and care‑experienced people. Leeds City Council is an age‑friendly employer, a Mindful Employer, and a Disability Confident Leader.
Eligibility for Employment
This role is based in the UK. Employment is conditional on confirmation of the right to work in the UK – as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement scheme, or by securing a relevant work visa.
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