Finance Manager (Service Development & Accounting)

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Cheshire East Council 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 (Deputy S151 Officer) and providing additional capacity, skills and experience for the Finance Service, you will work closely with directors and senior managers of the Council and also our transformation partners, to help ensure sound financial management of the Transformation Plan.

The Council 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.

We 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. Further information on our Transformation Plan may be found here:

https://www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/council_and_democracy/your_council/trans...

In addition, you may also enhance our capacity to provide financial insight, analysis and advice to other change projects currently in-flight, as required by the Director of Finance.

This is a temporary, part-time (80%/ 4-day week) position to 31 March 2025; though there is the possibility of extension into the 2025/26 financial year, subject to our business needs.

About You

You must be able to demonstrate the following essential requirements:

• Qualified Accountant (member CIPFA, CIMA, or other CCAB body)

• Proven track record of advising and supporting complex change projects and programmes, and interpreting and reporting their financial consequences to senior management

• 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 local government finance and accounting legislation and relevant national and local policy and strategy

• Knowledge of Council services, their service proposition and their impact on local residents and businesses

• 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 - £64,022-£67,918 per annum (pro rata to 80% to reflect part-time working)

• Flexible Working Pattern - 37 hours per week (pro rata to 29.6 hours per week, to reflect 80% part-time role), with flexi-time system

• Annual Leave - 26 days (plus bank holidays) up to 31 days after 5 years service (pro rata to 80% to reflect part-time role)

CONTACTING US

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