Job Description

About The Role

Working hours:

35 hours per week (hybrid working)

Contract type:

Permanent

Closing date:

11.59pm, 18 November 2025

This role is subject to:

Accountancy Qualification

Following recent promotions, the finance team at Manchester City Council is recruiting for two permanent Principal Finance Manager roles. Both roles play a fundamental part in how we operate. Our Finance Teams are key to the city's non-stop rise out of tough times to a fairer future for residents, businesses, and visitors. We deliver high quality Financial Management, supporting the Council in transforming services to deliver effectively while achieving efficiencies. We utilise robust finance and performance data to inform our reporting and decision-making.


We promote continuous improvement and embrace new technology, including Artificial Intelligence and the implementation of new tools and systems. We are currently updating our finance, HR, and payroll ERP system, a once in a generation change which is challenging, but brings exciting opportunities.


We invest in our staff through formal qualifications, leadership development, and support apprenticeships in areas such as digital finance. We aim to support talented, passionate individuals to develop and progress through our Financial Management Service. With the opportunity to launch a rewarding career in Local Government Finance and become a future senior leader in the City council.


Fourteen years of cuts and austerity have stretched our budgets, services, residents, and local economy close to the limits. But Manchester has bucked trends and is continuing to grow.


That is because we attract staff who can think differently, who listen to and work with our residents - and each other -with profound understanding and compassion, and who are not afraid to try new things to get us where we aim to be.



Both roles are hybrid, typically working 2 days in the office and 3 from home.

Adults Finance Team: Principal Finance Manager:

This role supports Finance and Service Leads in ensuring proactive financial management and financial control to the Adults Social Care element of the Local Care Organisation. You will:


Deliver robust forecasting, annual accounts Provide professional advice and forecasts to a variety of service users within the service. Work on a portfolio of highly complex budgets across a range of Adults services for the planning and development of short, medium, and longer-term initiatives.

Corporate Finance Team: Principal Finance Manager:

This role manages a small team and supports Group Finance Lead (Technical) in:


The preparation of annual accounts for the Council's and a small portfolio of partner organisations, ensuring accuracy and compliance with reporting requirements Close liaison with companies included in the Councils Group Accounts, including Manchester Airport Group Coordination of the external audit process Reconciliation of balance sheet accounts as part of the preparing financial reports for committee. Reporting to the Group Finance Lead (Technical Accountancy), Line management responsibilities for a team of four with two direct reports.

About the Candidate

Are you ready to make a long-term commitment to working for Manchester City Council, helping us to tackle our complex and diverse challenges, and to provide the support, challenge, training, insight, and intelligence our services need to make the best of our budgets for the benefit of our residents? You must be prepared to challenge the status quo to bring about change, be able to learn and share knowledge and experiences, have resilience, and show dedication to making our city and our residents the best that they can be.


You will need to be a high-performing, enthusiastic person who is adaptable, resourceful, and determined to turn your talents, and our investment in you, into a better future for Manchester and its residents.


Both roles require a CCAB (Consultative Committee of Accountancy Bodies) qualification such as ACA, ACCA, CIPFA, or equivalent, experience in public sector financial management is desirable. The available roles are:



The successful candidate will demonstrate strong technical expertise, excellent communication skills, and a commitment to delivering high-quality statutory reporting in a complex public sector environment.

Ready to apply?

If you are interested in these exciting and rewarding career opportunities, please complete an online application form, referring to the advert and role profile attached. You could also reach out to Martin.Evans@manchester.gov.uk or Jade.Brunt@manchester.gov.uk for additional information.

About Us

We're the local council for one of the UK's most vibrant and diverse cities.



Working for Manchester isn't just a job - it's an opportunity to contribute to a city that leads change and transforms lives. Whether it's strengthening communities or driving innovation in public services, you'll play a vital role in creating opportunities and shaping a brighter future for everyone.



Our Manchester is our vision for a fairer, greener, and healthier city - a vision shaped by the people of Manchester. It guides everything we do at the Council and is brought to life through the Our Manchester behaviours:


We take time to listen and understand We work together and trust each other We show that we value our differences and treat each other fairly We 'own it' and we're not afraid to try new things We're proud and passionate about Manchester

Benefits we offer

Generous holiday allowance -

Enjoy up to 26 days annual leave per year plus bank holidays. Increasing to 31 days after five years of local government service. Want more leave? You can purchase up to two additional weeks.

A buzzing pension -

You'll be enrolled in the UK's largest local government pension scheme, with plenty of options to top up your benefits. Includes life cover of three-times your salary as a lump sum.

Enhanced parental and carers leave -

Take advantage of our enhanced family leave options, designed to provide ample time for you to bond with your new born or support your family during critical life events.

Brilliant

perks

-

Access a range of discounts, from saving on the weekly shop to holidays and days out with MCR+. Plus discounts on phone contracts, cycle to work scheme, free flu jabs and eye tests, and more.

Learn and grow -

We are dedicated to nurturing talent and providing you with the tools to thrive. Take part in a diverse set of learning opportunities, from workshops and training sessions through to apprenticeships and qualifications. All this begins with our comprehensive onboarding process.

A Good Employment Charter member -

We are committed to offering secure, flexible work and embedding fairness into everything we do. We review pay annually, recognize three trade unions, and are constantly working to offer the best possible health and wellbeing support throughout all stages of your working life.

Up to 3 days volunteering leave -

Give back to the community with three days pro-rate of paid volunteering leave, in addition to existing benefits.

Creating an Inclusive Team at Manchester City Council

At Manchester City Council, we're dedicated to creating a workplace that truly reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We actively welcome applications from people of all ages and backgrounds, particularly from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic communities, Disabled people and young people.

Support During the Process

Interview Adjustments: Let us know if you need any adjustments to demonstrate your suitability during the interview. Accessible Formats: Our ReciteMe tool can be accessed through the "Accessibility tools" button at the top of our careers page. This tool offers features like text-to-speech, translation into multiple languages, and adjustable text size and colour to make our site more accessible for everyone.

Guaranteed Assessment Scheme

We guarantee assessments for applicants who meet the minimum shortlisting requirements for the role and identify with at least one of the criteria below:


Members of the Armed Forces members or veterans Current or former care leavers Have a disability or long-term condition If you have completed the GM Elevate (Leadership Development) Programme or any MCC positive action programme

If you have completed the GM Elevate (Leadership Development) Programme, please indicate this within the Supporting Statement section of your application.

When You Join Us

We're a Disability Confident Employer, offering:


A workplace adjustment hub which provides specialist support, advice and guidance to ensure you have the adjustments needed to thrive at work. Disabled Staff Network, Neurodiversity Staff Network and Mental Health Staff Network that provides a safe inclusive space to share experiences and opportunities to influence council practice. A strong commitment to ensuring all information adheres to accessibility standards and that our workplaces are accessible and disability-friendly.

For more information about the role or any adjustments, email jobs@manchester.gov.uk.

What we will need from you if

you're successful



In accordance with Home Office guidance, successful candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK before commencement of employment. This is not a role we consider to be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route based on Manchester City Council policy. Candidates are therefore encouraged to consider their own right to work options without the requirement for Manchester City Council sponsorship.

Pre-Employment Checks

If you are successful in securing a position with us, the pre-employment checks required will depend on the role you've applied for. As a guide, these checks may include:


Proof of Right to Work: You'll need to provide documentary evidence of your right to work in the UK. References: We'll require references from your current and previous employer(s). Proof of Qualifications: Evidence of qualifications relevant to the role will be required.

These checks are an important part of our commitment to ensuring the safety and security of our workforce and the community we serve.

Other relevant information

We want everyone to be able to be themselves at work and give their best. If you need additional support to undertake the duties of the role, we'll make every effort to source any necessary aids, adaptations or equipment. If, however, any task proves to be unachievable, we will look at redesigning parts of the role.



For more information about the role, please ensure that you read the role profile attached.

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