Finance Manager (x3)

Croydon is one of London's most diverse, ambitious and dynamic boroughs, and this is a great time to join its Strategic Finance team.
After several years of recovery and improvement, the council's finances are more stable, its governance has been strengthened, and the focus has now moved from recovery to delivery.

The Executive Mayor's Business Plan 2026–2030 sets out what comes next: cleaner streets, safer neighbourhoods, stronger communities, better housing, thriving town centres and roads that work, with a clear commitment that every pound spent delivers value for residents. Major regeneration is also under way, from plans to redevelop the Whitgift site in the town centre to new council homes at Regina Road. Strategic Finance is at the heart of making it happen.

Working at the centre of the organisation, you will partner with the Corporate Management Team, Directors and Heads of Service to influence decision-making and make sure the council is well placed to respond to the opportunities and challenges facing local government. With major improvements to financial reporting, monitoring and the Oracle system now embedded, the team is moving into a continuous improvement phase, and you will play a key part in it.

As a Finance Manager, you will support the Director of Finance (Deputy S151 Officer) and the Heads of Strategic Finance, deputising when required, and lead a team providing high-quality financial management and advice across revenue and capital.
The roles
We are looking to appoint three Finance Managers:

Resources: leading business partnering to Property, Procurement and Capital (including the asset disposal programme, rental income and capital development in the borough); Croydon Technology Service, including greater use of AI and digital technologies; Payments, Revenues, Benefits and Debt, including the Collection Fund and Housing Benefits; Legal and Democratic Services; and Internal Audit, Counter-Fraud and Insurance.
Chief Accountant's Team (Training & Improvements): leading training for service and finance staff on technical accounting and financial systems; driving positive change through the improvement and digitalisation programme, process streamlining and automation; leading improvements in response to audit recommendations and strengthening reconciliations and the financial control environment; and producing guidance that embeds best practice across the council.
Housing Companies: leading the reporting and accounting for companies and charities related to the council, ensuring compliance with the accounting code of practice, HMRC regulations and company legislation; bringing a commercial focus to contract management and increasing the supply of high-quality accommodation, including the innovative use of housing companies to support the discharge of homelessness duties; and identifying capital investment opportunities to improve housing supply.

Key responsibilities across the roles

Managing financial and management accounting processes across revenue and capital, including budget setting, monitoring, financial close and external audit.
Providing high-quality advice to directors and budget holders, identifying key financial issues and recommending the right course of action.
Driving the improvement of financial processes and systems, and the adoption of best practice in financial management.
Leading the team's contribution to council-wide projects and the wider improvement programme.
Line managing, coaching and developing team members.

What you'll bring
You will be a qualified accountant (CCAB, CIMA or equivalent) or have extensive knowledge and experience of local government finance, with a strong track record in budget setting, financial monitoring (capital and revenue) and closing the accounts. We are also looking for:

Significant financial experience supporting services with their strategy, policy and delivery.
Excellent communication skills and the ability to give technical financial advice in a high-profile political environment.
Experience of influencing senior leaders, a collaborative working style and the ability to build effective partnerships.
A passion for public service and improving outcomes for local communities.

For more information, including welcome letters from Conrad Hall (Corporate Director of Resources and Section 151 Officer) and Allister Bannin (Director of Finance, Deputy S151 Officer) and a full overview of each team, visit our dedicated recruitment site: Home | Croydon Council

For a confidential discussion, contact Jack Murphy at Allen Lane on 07921 335 786 or jackmurphy@allenlane.co.uk, or Robert Phillips on 07921 336 507 or robertphillips@allenlane.co.uk.

To apply, please send your CV to croydon@allenlane.co.uk with a supporting statement (no more than two pages) explaining why you are interested, what you would bring to the role and how your experience meets the requirements. Please clearly state which role or roles you are applying for. You are welcome to apply for more than one.

The closing date is Sunday 15 November at 23:59.
Equal opportunities
Croydon Council is an inclusive employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. Subject to business needs, we will be pleased to consider applications from candidates seeking flexible working arrangements and support hybrid working, whereby staff attend the workplace for part of their working week and work from home, or elsewhere, remotely for the rest of the time.

As users of the Disability Confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the advertised role.

Croydon Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to a DBS check if the role requires one.