Job Description

Job IntroductionBradford 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 Finance Manager - Business Development and Improvement is a key role in supporting the finance department in assisting the delivery of the Council's plans and future financial sustainability. The post is key to developing and providing an approach to challenging, identifying and developing cost effective solutions for the future development of the service and other council services in order to enable the council to meet its future challenges whilst fostering a culture of continuous improvement and value for money. This role is an opportunity to make a real difference in our vibrant and diverse city.We are looking for an exceptional individual to be part of our team as our Finance Manager - Business Development and Improvement. The successful candidate will work with the Head and Deputy Head of Business Development and improvement. The successful candidate will be expected to lead, develop and ensure implementation of, and review change management programmes to deliver continual improvement and deliver better integration of services and value for money within the department and across the council.The main responsibilities of this role are:

• To support the Deputy Head of Business Development and Improvement for reviewing opportunities for the development and improvement of business practices and processes within Finance and across the Council ensuring co-ordination with key review functions such as internal audit, risk, and the transformation team. This will include decision making on highly sensitive individual cases as well as the overall management of the Service's performance.
• To support the Director of Finance and Head of Internal Audit, Risk, Business Development and Improvement in providing proactive and creative advice whilst contributing towards progressive management and improvement in all the Council's services.
• To promote business solutions through the delivery of financial challenge and advice, ensuring principles of best value, continuous improvement, value for money and risk management are embedded into service delivery and change management projects.
• To drive and embed a planning, programme and project management culture, lead and support on post implementation reviews, LEAN methodology and processes; be an advocate and active representative of Bradford Finance on external bodies, for example, CIPFA, including advising national panels and groups as required.
• To support the Head of Internal Audit, Risk, Business Development and Improvement with the management and embedding of xe2x80x9cBest in Classxe2x80x9d working methods across Bradford Finance to achieve major improvement e.g. in processes and systems to support key financial activities including budget monitoring and tracking; foster and lead a high performance and continuous improvement culture delivering leading edge financial management, commercial analysis and advice to support service reviews, key strategic projects and procurements.
• To 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.
• To support the Deputy Head of Business Development and Improvement to commission and undertake leading research and benchmarking nationally, across the public and private sector, to inform Bradford Finance and ensure it is best in class; develop an effective framework for promoting high levels of compliance with the Councils performance standards, procedures and financial regulations
• To work across the Council to prompt, challenge and support radical and ambitious programmes of work and projects to improve services and value for money.
• To support the Head of Internal Audit, Risk, Business Development and Improvement in the preparation of reports to senior management and elected Members as required. Support the Director of Finance and the Head of Internal Audit, Risk, Business Development and Improvement in the approval of reports prepared for Executive and other Committees providing advice and guidance as appropriate.
• To develop an effective interface with the private sector and other partner organisations, managing new ways of working alongside the regulatory framework of the Council.
• To deal with and support on complex, sensitive and confidential matters on a regular basis. and liaise directly with elected Members and top management, assistant directors, senior management, Trade Unions, senior officers and external agencies, providing professional information and advice on financial matters and control issues.
• To positively support and deliver the vision, values and strategic objectives of the Council through the Finance service by providing constructive and timely advice on all financial matters, control issues, innovative solutions to key projects and corporate initiatives.

How to ApplyIf you are interested in joining our team and would like some further information, please contactMike Thomas, Interim Financial Adviser on 07738 128501 or email .Further information is available through the links below, along with the attached Job Profile and Candidate Information Pack.Employee OfferWhy work for Bradford Council? Find out why by taking a look at .Equal OpportunitiesWe 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.

City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council