Principle Advisor - Systems

Job Introduction

Bradford Finance is undergoing significant change and investment. Having been under resourced for a number of years, it is now entering a new phase of development and strategic focus to support the Council’s ambitious new corporate strategy and plans. 

A restructure has recently been completed with the department now comprising of three key teams:

• Management Accounting
• Corporate and Strategic Finance
• Internal Audit, Risk, Business Development and Improvement.

The restructure includes significant additional capacity and investment in training and development. 

A greatly enhanced finance team is being developed during 2025/2026 with a clear strategic focus and direction including a development plan elevating the impact of the Finance team within the organisation to support and drive the Council’s strategic plans whilst delivering its financial sustainability and recovery programme.

The team has recently been highly instrumental in the last 12 months in helping the Council secure:

• the lifting of the Best Value Notice put in place in February 2024 by February 2025, an unprecedented achievement
• a very positive review by CIPFA about progress being made in Bradford to become financially sustainable.  CIPFA cites progress being made in several key areas, including the addressing of risks identified in the previous review of 2023. They also report that financial planning in Bradford is robust, savings proposals are well considered and are being delivered, even where choices are difficult.
• completion of the 2025/26 budget much earlier than previously.
• closure and audit sign off, of the 2022/23 and 2023/24 accounts in the last few months, both with an unqualified opinion.
• a very positive half year report by the Council’s Independent Board 

The Principal Advisor (Systems) role is crucial to the delivery of the Council’s plans and future financial sustainability. The post is key to supporting and delivering the key strategic objectives for the future development of the Council’s service to enable the council to meet its future challenges whilst fostering a culture of continuous improvement. This role is an opportunity to make a real difference in our vibrant and diverse city. 

We are looking for an exceptional individual to help develop the Councils Finance Systems as our Principal Advisor (Systems) and to join our Corporate and Strategic Finance - system team.

The successful candidates will be expected to lead on the development of the Council’s Finance systems, ensuring the most effective and efficient use of processes and maintaining accurate financial data.

 The main responsibilities of this role are:

1. To positively support and deliver the vision, values and strategic objectives of the Council’s services through providing constructive and timely advice on all financial systems and processes of a financial nature.
2. Develop and maintain working relationships with senior managers and other senior officers, other Council services, external agencies and peer groups working corporately and cooperatively to ensure the service is at the forefront of innovation and change.
3. To promote business solutions ensuring the Council maximises its position, liaising with external advisors as appropriate.
4. To provide professional advice and support on all systems and procedures in accordance with professional standards, legislative requirements and Council policies and procedures.
5. To supervise the work of other members of the section as appropriate.
6. To deputise for the Finance Manager – Systems.
7. To promote and deliver training to finance staff on all system matters.
8.  Actively develop the capacity for keeping up to date on professional skills and specialised knowledge.

How to Apply

If you are interested in joining our team and would like some further information, please contact:

• Tracey Kay, Finance Manager, Systems Strategic via email: tracey.kay@bradford.gov.uk
• Celia Yang, Head of Corporate and Strategic Finance via email: celia.yang@bradford.gov.uk

Further information is available through the links below, along with the attached Job Profile and Candidate Information Pack.

Budget Meeting of Council - 06 March 2025

Statement of Accounts - 2023/24

CBMDC - External Assurance Review

Employee Offer

Why work for Bradford Council? Find out why by taking a look at Our Employee Offer.pdf .

Equal Opportunities 

We do not discriminate against any applicant or employee directly or indirectly on the grounds of gender, marital status, gender re-assignment, pregnancy, sexual orientation, disability, race, colour, ethnic background, religion or belief nationality or age. And, as an equal opportunities employer, the Council strives to employ the best qualified people from a diverse range of applicants. 

 The RESPECT Allyship Programme is available to all staff, which offers the opportunity to learn more about the diverse communities & groups and provides added benefits and resources to its members.