Job Description

Finance Manager

Childrens Services
Local Authority Cheshire
Crewe Based
Hybrid Working Available
Monday to Friday 09:00-16:20
37 Hours per week
38- 40ph Umbrella

Job Purpose

The role involves leading and managing the Finance Business Partnering service within the Council, providing specialist support and advice to Childrens Services Directors and Senior Managers. The primary responsibility is to oversee the delivery of a comprehensive professional advisory, management accounting, and financial reporting function, ensuring that financial management standards are met and high customer satisfaction is achieved.

Main responsibilities

• Provide specialist support and advice to Children's Services Directors and Senior Managers in areas like financial planning, budgeting, in-year forecasting, and year-end reporting.
• Manage the delivery of commercial financial services to schools, ensuring effective budget planning and adherence to financial management standards. Provide training and support to primary, secondary, special, and academy schools.
• Lead delivery of financial consultancy services, offering research, analysis, and professional advice on major change and transformational projects within Children's Services and related partnerships.
• Oversee the development and sustainability of the Medium Term Financial Strategy, annual budgeting, financial performance monitoring, and year-end reporting.
• Provide financial advice and support to corporate and front-line budget managers, ensuring alignment with long-term financial strategies and business cases.
• Offer financial advice during committee meetings, including report writing, pre-briefing committee members, and ensuring financial decisions are accurately reflected in Council systems.
• Maintain systems for budget monitoring, reporting accurate financial information, highlighting variations from approved budgets, and investigating resolutions.
• Advise on corporate financial policies and practices, including finance procedure rules, and contribute to the development of relevant service standards.
• Lead, motivate, and support finance team development, conduct performance appraisals, identify training needs, and promote professional growth.
• Advocate for improvements in budget monitoring, forecasting processes, and financial information systems to enhance financial management capabilities across the Council.

• Manage the development and promotion of financial systems, providing training and coaching to senior management and service budget managers to meet their budget management responsibilities.
• Contribute to the Council's stewardship and governance framework, ensuring effective resource management, accountability, and compliance with statutory obligations.
• Foster a culture of innovation and well-managed risk-taking to provide public value while being responsive to the needs of service users, residents, and businesses.

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 (phone number removed)