Job Description

About the role

Due to a recent restructure and review of service requirements, Rochdale Council can offer an exciting opportunity to join the Finance team within the Adults Services Directorate.


Rochdale Council has a high achieving and well managed finance team:-

The Council set a balanced budget for 2025/26 and has a relatively low/ manageable budget gap for 2026/27 The Council has healthy reserve balances, used to support short term funding and investment requirements whilst longer term financial solutions are sought. The Council is entering into a transformation era, so this is an exciting time to be involved in shaping the service for the future, and getting the most out of our systems, to promote better informed decisions and improved outcomes for Rochdale.

The role offers the chance to make a real difference to the Borough, directly supporting the Head of Finance and Heads of Service with ongoing service provision, including financial input into the Services business plans and continuing development of the Finance Service as a trusted business partner.


As well as responsibility for the delivery of accurate and robust financial information to support the Council's statutory and business critical financial functions (including Budget Setting, Budget Monitoring and Closure of Accounts), the roles includes assisting in the preparation of financial appraisals and business modelling for service revenue and capital projects, development and line management of the roles direct reports and to embrace the councils move towards the increased use of technology. With no two days the same, this is the ideal role for an experienced finance professional seeking a new and varied challenge.


Key activities include:

Producing and presenting specialist financial advice, reports, information and business insight to officers to support effective decision making. Providing regular budget monitoring updates on both Revenue and Capital activities, working with Directorates to understand any variances and seek solutions to any issues that arise. Contributing to the development and implementation of the Medium Term Financial Strategy. Supporting and developing the roles direct reports to ensure they achieve their potential and maximise their contribution. Embracing the councils transformation program and move towards the increased use of technology. Utilising commercial and organisational acumen to influence stakeholders, to ensure the Councils financial objectives are met. Building strong relationships with key stakeholders. Deputising for the Head of Finance (FSS) as required.

Career Progression

The successful candidates will have a wide support network while they develop into the role, and will be supported to work towards future career progression, and be helped to prepare to develop into one of the five Head of Service roles within finance if they have aspirations to do so. The Council provides internal training courses such as the Leadership Academy to help staff to continue to develop and gain the necessary skills to progress in their career.

About you

The successful candidate will be qualified under one of the recognised CCAB professional accountancy bodies with financial management experience within a large organisation. Plus the ability to work in a pressurised environment, delivering priority work in a timely and accurate manner and experience of working with senior stakeholders.

To apply for this job role please demonstrate how you meet the 7 key person specification requirements set out in the role profile.

Please include reference to your qualifications that are specified on the role profile within your application.

Please note: A short word/excel based assessment and presentation may be required as part of the recruitment process for this post.

About us

To apply for this job role please demonstrate how you meet the 7 key person specification requirements set out in the role profile attached below.


The Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects staff to share this commitment.


If you are interested in what we are offering and have the skills we are looking for, we want to hear from you. If you would like to discuss the posts further, please contact Matthew Johnston, Head of Finance (Adults) on 01706 923919.


At Rochdale Borough Council we are committed to our Values and Behaviours.

Proud of the difference we make Passionate about the diversities of the Borough Pioneering and Open in our Approach

This organisation has signed up to the Greater Manchester Continuous Service Commitment. This means we will recognise your continuous or 'unbroken' service in any Greater Manchester local authority or NHS organisation, Transport for Greater Manchester, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service or Greater Manchester Combined Authority; giving you access to our service-related benefits

Unfortunately, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role