Job Description

Are you a forward-thinking finance professional with a passion for transformation and innovation?



Durham County Council is offering an exciting opportunity for an experienced Finance Manager to join our Corporate Finance Team at a pivotal moment in our journey.

WHAT IS INVOLVED

This is a chance to lead one of the most significant financial system upgrades in our history - the transition to Oracle Fusion. With the implementation phase kicking off this winter and a go-live planned for 2027/28, youll be at the heart of a major organisational and financial transformation. Youll work closely with colleagues across Payroll, Procurement, and Income Management to ensure the new system aligns with our strategic goals and delivers operational excellence. You will also be closely supported by a newly-appointed dedicated Programme Director and a suite of skilled external functional experts who have strong knowledge of the new Oracle Fusion functionality and will help us to design and implement the new system. This will provide you and your team of seconded staff with close support, to allow you to focus on the change management impact on the Council.




Beyond the Oracle project, this role offers the chance to shape the future of financial reporting, governance, and commercial strategies across the council. Youll be instrumental in driving strategic change, redesigning how we work, and embedding new ways of thinking that deliver real value for money. Upon finalisation of the Oracle Project in 2027, your role will revert into the wider group of Finance Managers.

Responsibilities include:

Act as the Finance Workstream Lead for the Oracle Finance System Upgrade, to align the new technology with strategy, compliance, and operational excellence Deliver financial support to Strategic and Transformational Projects to drive organisational change. Champion Best Practice in financial management and the stewardship in public resources.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED

We are looking for someone who brings strong leadership, a strategic mindset, and a hands-on approach to problem-solving. Youll need to be a CCAB or CIMA qualified accountant with experience of delivering complex financial projects and leading change. Your ability to engage stakeholders, manage transformation, and champion best practice will be key to your success.



Please refer to the attached person specification for the full criteria.




If youre ready to take on a high-profile role that combines innovation, impact, and public service wed love to hear from you.

OUR OFFER TO YOU

We offer a competitive rewards package that includes attractive salaries, a generous annual leave entitlement of 27 days (rising to 32 after five years continuous local government service), membership of the excellent contributory career average Local Government Pension Scheme, and a range of flexible working arrangements including hybrid working (home and office) where applicable. Explore the full range of rewards and benefits on our website



Rewards and benefits are subject to individual terms and conditions.

EQUALITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION

We are a proud equal opportunities employer and believe a diverse workforce brings fresh ideas and drives service improvement. We welcome applications from everyone and make employment decisions based on skills and ability. As a Disability Confident Leader, we actively encourage applications from disabled people and offer support throughout the recruitment process.

INTERVIEWS

Interviews will be held as soon after the closing date as possible.




We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants that can show they meet all the essential criteria and have indicated they have a disability, are a looked after young person, care leaver or a veteran.

HOW TO APPLY

Please note, we do not accept CVs. All applications must be submitted online via the Northeast Jobs portal. Use the Person Specification section of the form to clearly demonstrate how you meet the essential (and where possible, desirable) criteria. Applications that do not evidence the essential requirements will not be shortlisted. For guidance on completing your application, visit our website



If you require assistance when applying for this role, please contact our Recruitment Helpdesk on 03000 26 27 27, or via email RecruitmentResources@durham.gov.uk



All correspondence relating to your application will be sent from donotreply@northeastjobs.org.uk. Kindly check your spam/junk folder regularly to ensure you dont miss any updates.





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Important Information for Members of the Local Government Pension Scheme

HM Revenue and Customs impose controls on the amount of pension savings you can make without having to pay extra tax. These controls are known as the Annual Allowance and Lump Sum Allowance. The Annual Allowance is the amount by which the value of your pension benefits may increase in any one year without you having to pay a tax charge. You are most likely to be affected by the Annual Allowance if you receive a significant pay increase, and/or you are a high earner. Two lump sum limits were also introduced in April 2024. If the value of all lump sums taken from UK pensions is higher than these limits, you will have to pay tax on any excess at your marginal rate.




More information can be found at www.lgpsmember.org/your-pension/the-essentials/tax/



If you are successful in your application for this post and wish to find out more about these controls, please contact the Pension Section at pensions@durham.gov.uk.