Finance Manager (Children's Services)

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Cheshire East Council has an exciting opportunity for an experienced and ambitious professional to join our finance leadership team as a Finance Manager (Children's Services).

Our Finance Team provides financial management, reporting, accountancy and advice to directors, heads of service, budget holders, elected Members and stakeholders across the full range of services delivered by the Council.

We are seeking a ' finance leader of the future ' - if you are looking to take the next step on your journey to being a finance director/ S151 Officer, we can offer excellent prospects for realising your aspirations at Cheshire East Council.

Cheshire East Finance has great track record of training and support for staff and providing opportunities for personal career development.

Reporting to the Director of Finance (Deputy S151 Officer), as a Finance Manager you will be the main contact for the Executive Director (Children's Services) and Service Directors, leading a high-performing team passionate about finance business partnering for social care and education services, and delivering a comprehensive range of financial management and accountancy functions.

Cheshire East, like many other local authorities, is facing unprecedented challenges in terms of increasing demand for services and rising costs. A Council-wide transformation programme is underway to help us become stronger and more flexible, so we can deliver our vital services better and continue to support those who need it most.

Finance Managers play a key role in supporting managers to deliver financially sustainable services through the provision of high quality financial information and advice.

About You

You must be able to demonstrate the following essential requirements:

• Qualified Accountant (member CIPFA, CIMA, or other CCAB body)
• Expert knowledge and experience of best practice in financial planning, management and reporting, and emerging trends and innovations in local authority financial management
• Expert knowledge of finance and accounting legislation and relevant national and local policy and strategy, including the Council's Constitution and its Finance Procedure Rules, and the statutory reporting requirements of public and private sector accounting and financial reporting standards
• Knowledge of all Council services, their service proposition and their impact on local residents and businesses
• Expert knowledge of staff management and development of multi-functional teams and developing clear work programmes for individuals and teams
• Processes for key reports and decisions
• Knowledge of project management processes and how to apply the financial consequences to a complex array of projects and programmes
• Knowledge of VAT and other relevant taxation regimes
• Evidence of personal commitment to continuous professional development

What we can offer you

• Hybrid Working ~ we offer a flexible approach to work that involves a hybrid of office-based and flexible/ home working. New employees will be required to be office-based for the first 3 months of their employment, working in Delamere House, Crewe, in order to facilitate effective induction and training, and integration with the team. Importantly, along with significant opportunities for working from home, in-person, collaborative team-working is a fundamental feature of 'how we do things', and is an essential requirement on an ongoing basis, as required, to meet the needs of our service.

• Competitive Salary with a pay award pending.

• Flexible Working Pattern - 37 hours per week, with up to 18 days flexible leave per annum.

• Annual Leave - 26 days (plus bank holidays) up to 31 days after 5 years service.

CONTACTING US

If you would like to have an informal discussion about the role, please contact Paul Goodwin, Deputy S151 Officer at paul.goodwin@cheshireeast.gov.uk