Finance Manager

Finance Manager (Service Development and Accounting)
Local Authority Cheshire
Crewe Based
Hybrid Working Available - Office based initially for business induction
3 Months Contract (Potential for Extension)
Monday to Thursday 09:00-17:00
29.60 Hours per week
£40ph Umbrella

Job Purpose

Our client has an exciting opportunity for an experienced finance professional to offer their expertise to support our significant change programmes and projects.

The principal focus of the assignment will be taking on the role of Transformation Portfolio Finance Lead, providing advice and financial reporting in support of our Transformation programme and projects, including maintaining the overarching financial picture (cost tracking; benefits tracking; financial risks and issues).

Reporting to the Director of Finance and providing additional capacity, skills and experience for the Finance Service, you will work closely with directors and senior managers of the local authority and also our transformation partners, to help ensure sound financial management of the Transformation Plan.

The local authority faces significant challenges, including the need to reduce spending over the next four years. This requires substantial change; and successful delivery of this plan will lead to a financially stable organisation with improved outcomes for residents.

They have developed six programmes and identified projects within them to address the challenges. These focus on: workforce; social care; place, early intervention, digital; and special projects.

Main responsibilities

• Lead Finance Business Partner Services for local authorities wholly owned companies and joint ventures providing advisory, management accounting, and financial reporting functions.
• Develop and maintain medium-term financial plans, in-year forecasts, and private company accounts, ensuring compliance with financial management standards.
• Commission external auditors and tax advisors, deliver financial training to company directors and staff on budgeting and financial procedures.
• Lead finance services for Shared Services, offering financial management, strategic budgeting, and analysis to optimise service delivery.
• Provide financial consultancy on major change, transformational, and investment projects within the local authority and its associated entities.
• Oversee the design and development of financial systems, including digital innovations and automation, and deliver related training to improve financial control and reporting.
• Lead financial training for finance and non-finance staff to promote financial literacy and effective use of financial management systems.
• Ensure compliance with the CIPFA Financial Management Code, reporting to senior officers and committees, and contributing to the development of financial policies and procedures.
• Provide professional financial advice to senior management and elected Members to support long-term financial strategies and decision-making.
• Oversee budget monitoring and control, ensuring timely reporting of variations and working with managers to address issues.
• Manage the performance and development of finance team staff, ensuring efficient delivery of services and supporting continuous professional development.

Service Care Solutions also offers a £250 referral bonus! So, if you know of anyone who would be perfect for this position and they are placed into work, you will receive £250 for the referral once their probationary period has been completed.

If this role is of interest, please just respond to this advert with an up to date copy of your CV or call Jake on