Finance Manager - Systems

• 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.

• To positively support and deliver the vision, values and strategic objectives of the Council's services through providing constructive and timely advice on financial systems matters identifying innovative solutions as appropriate.
• Work with Managers in service departments to confirm systems requirements and changes in order to support revenue and capital accounting and monitoring. To support maintenance and development of the main accounting and support systems.
• Anticipate and identify system impacts of key financial issues and risks affecting the business which require attention, resolve issues with Senior Managers and identify mitigating actions to ensure net expenditure is within budget, escalate to Strategic Finance Manager and other senior colleagues any business issues not resolved by Service Managers.
• Be an effective liaison point between the Systems, Projects and Commercial team and Corporate and Strategic Finance team and Government Departments to ensure completion of all statutory returns.
• With the Strategic and Corporate Finance Teams ensure systems support the delivery of financial and commercial analysis to support the financial strategy, decision making and service reviews. Help to deliver robust financial and commercial analysis for business cases including signing-off financial implications for reports and for Gateway Reviews.
• Manage financial modelling of new systems or changes to existing services including impact from specific legislation /policy changes, assess implications for the Council.
• Provide support (guidance, encouragement, challenge and advice) to system users during budget preparation, monthly monitoring, year-end and closure of accounts - helping them to understand the financial information required and processes to be followed.
• The postholder will be expected to deputise for the Head of Projects, Systems and Commercial and/or the Strategic Finance Specialist on systems related matters and other matters within their areas of expertise as required. The postholder will be required to substitute or deputise for other Finance Managers within the team as required.
• Proactively manage the day-to-day performance of staff within direct control (reward good and address poor performance) including recruitment, appraisal, conflict resolution and ensure continuing professional development of self and team.
• Develop and maintain working relationships with top management and other senior officers, other Council services, external agencies and peer groups working corporately and cooperatively to ensure the service is at the forefront of innovation and change.
• Represent and promote the Council on finance systems issues at appropriate local, regional and national forums and maintain and develop working relationships with professional bodies and other groups to ensure effective representation and promote meaningful networking.
• Actively seek continuous improvement in the performance and development of the Finance Service and facilitating best value in service delivery.

• Andrew Cross, Head of Management Accounting on 07870 386523 or email

City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council