Assistant Director Finance (Management Accounting)

Bradford is at a pivotal moment of transformation and opportunity. As one of the biggest, youngest, most diverse and enterprising districts in the country, we're committed to building a modern, responsive Council that delivers exceptional services for our communities.

We've recently had our Best Value Notice lifted, secured a capitalisation direction of £127m for 2025/26 to support our 5-year financial strategy, and we're in the midst of celebrating our prestigious City of Culture status. With major regeneration projects underway, including a new Southern Gateway, city centre transformation, and improved transport connections, Bradford is truly a place where you can make your mark.

About the Role
The City of Bradford Council is embarking on an exciting transformational journey, and we are looking for an inspiring and experienced Assistant Director of Finance to help lead us through this pivotal time. In this senior role, you will provide expert advice and strategic support to the Director of Finance, Chief Executive, and Elected Members, shaping the future direction of the Council's financial operations.

You will lead and manage the operational finance services, overseeing the Management Accounting, Projects, Systems, and Commercial Finance teams. As we strive to make our Finance team a leading-edge, high-quality service, you will play a key role in embedding innovative financial strategies to ensure that we deliver the highest value for money to the people of Bradford.

Working with the Director of Finance and the Assistant Director Finance (Corporate and Strategic) you will provide the strategic vision for the future development of the service and your team. You will have the unique opportunity to be at the forefront of our staff development programme, working with colleagues to develop career pathways, succession planning and talent management frameworks, supporting your staff to achieve their full potential as part of a proactive, solution focused financial service.

Your leadership will be crucial in providing commercial advice on a wide range of high-profile projects and programmes, ensuring that all budget holders and services receive expert financial guidance and support. You will also help drive the implementation of our new Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system, playing an integral part in modernising our financial processes and systems.

This is a unique opportunity to shape the strategic direction of the Finance function at a time of transformative change, while making a tangible difference in the future of Bradford, perfect for someone wanting to bring energy to a Council where they can make their mark.

What We're Looking For
We are looking for an exceptional, strategic leader who is comfortable leading by example and building strong relationships across the organisation. You will be someone who thrives on developing your team, setting clear strategic priorities, and driving change in a complex, evolving environment.

You will work closely with the Assistant Director Finance (Corporate and Strategic) to continue building on the excellent work already done in transforming the Council's financial operations. This role is perfect for a finance professional who is passionate about creating impactful change, has a strong technical finance background, and is ready to take on a leadership role in an organisation that is redefining how local government functions.

If you are a dynamic and visionary finance leader with a track record of success in driving transformation and managing complex financial operations, we would love to hear from you.

Join us and help shape the future of our district.

How to apply

For further information and to apply visit or contact: Bella Bennett or Anita Denton .

The closing date for applications is midnight on Sunday 4th May.

Recruitment Timetable

• Closing date: Sunday 4th May at midnight
• Longlist meeting (no candidate involvement): Late w/c 5th May
• Technical Interviews (Virtual): Wednesday 14th May
• Shortlist meeting (no candidate involvement): Tuesday 20th May
• CIPFA Technical Assessment and Penna Leadership Assessment: Thursday 22nd May and Friday 23rd May
• Feedback from CIPFA/Penna assessment: w/c 26th May
• Final Panel: w/c 2nd June

To apply:
To apply, please submit an up-to-date copy of your CV (three sides of A4 maximum), along with a supporting statement (three sides of A4 maximum) detailing your experience, and achievements and addressing the key criteria for the role set out on this site and using examples to demonstrate how you meet the requirements. Documents should be uploaded via our website, please include and upload the below information in two documents only. If you experience any issues whilst applying, please contact .

Applications should include:

• Full contact details;
• Names, positions, organisations and contact details for two referees (we will ask your permission before contacting referees);
• Details of your current salary and notice period
• Notification of any dates when you are not available for an interview.

At Tile Hill, we are committed to inclusion and accessibility. We champion and support all individuals to ensure everyone feels valued, listened to and motivated to get the very best out of each recruitment process and that processes are designed to meet the needs of individuals. If you have any specific requests and would like a confidential discussion with the Tile Hill team, then please email .