About the Role

The Strategic Financial Manager will have lead responsibility for providing a proactive and comprehensive financial planning and analysis service for the authority. Working with senior managers throughout the organisation to develop and maintain a robust Medium-Term Financial Strategy, which maximises funding flexibilities and best utilises new funding powers which come into effect April 2026. For more information please contact Claire.hall@liverpoolcityregion-ca.gov.uk

The opportunity

The Combined Authority is in the middle of a critical period of change and growth and we are looking to strengthen the Finance Service at such an exciting time, delivering the new emerging devolved financial management arrangements. As such we are looking for new team members to join us to help influence and shape the future of the service. This is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to the development and opportunities that exist both now and in the future

‍

Main responsibilities

• -To take the lead role in strategic financial planning for the preparation and maintenance of the medium-term financial plans for the Combined Authority.
• -Support the provision of a comprehensive and proactive Business Partner Service, supporting managers and budget holders across the organisation.
• -Develop effective relationships and provide high quality financial advice, strategy, planning, monitoring and reporting.
• -Provision of robust financial advice on financial planning, implications of service development proposals and statutory changes. Provide comprehensive financial advice to senior managers and political leaders.
• -Lead, develop and enhance financial planning procedures, processes and systems.
• -Manage staff within the team as and when required.
• -Keep up to date with any legislative and accounting change including consultation and proposed changes in legislation.  Maintain professional awareness and attend seminars, courses or training sessions as may be required from time to time.
• -To manage the accounting and financial management reporting standards and to provide continuous professional advice in relation to their application, review, maintenance and development.

• -Undertake relevant recruitment, training, performance management, attendance and staff management activities across the service.
• -To represent Combined Authority and the LCR CA on external and sectoral groups.
• -To act as a key finance contact and representative on internal working groups.
• -To deputise for the Head of Finance in his/ her absence.
• -Undertake any other tasks commensurate with the grade as directed.

About the person

The successful candidate will be a CCAB qualified accountant with a track record of working with and influencing senior members of multi-disciplinary teams, and experience of planning for a large publicly accountable organisation. They must have excellent financial management and analytical skills and would benefit from a knowledge of local authority finances.

We are looking for ambitious, highly committed, skilled and proactive people with a focus on delivering an exceptional, high-quality service which enables and informs organisational decision making.

If you think you match the job description, and our values, then click on the link to apply.

Please ensure that you provide clear examples and evidence in your personal statement of how you meet the below key essential criteria. The information you provide in your personal statement will be used for shortlisting.

• -Experience of Strategic Planning and Budgeting
• -A strong track record of working to a senior level within a complex organisation
• -Ability to work constructively with, and challenge, internal and external stakeholders

About the organisation

The Liverpool City Region is world-famous for its history, culture and creativity. A place of firsts, it is the birthplace of modern railways, public health and international trade. Now, our economy is being transformed once again, changing the world through world-leading innovation in health and life sciences, digital and creative, and advanced manufacturing - growing an economy already worth £35 billion a year.

The Combined Authority plays a central role in catalysing this innovation-led economy. We are seizing the unique opportunity to use our devolved powers and funding to create wealth and prosperity for all our 1.6 million residents and the whole UK - investing in our economy, people, place, transport and digital infrastructure. Our vision is for the Liverpool City Region to be: The best place to grow up, grow a family, and grow a business - where no-one is left behind.

Staff benefits

• -Local Government Pension Scheme contributions between 5.5% and 12.5%
• -Generous holiday entitlement of 29 days rising to 34 days after 5 years service, as well as bank holidays and the option to buy 10 additional days
• -Free travel around Liverpool City Region with an All-Zone Metro card worth £1,450 per year plus All Zones Off Peak Trio ticket for your spouse or partner
• -Flexible and hybrid working
• -24/7 access to Employee Assistance Programme for you and your family and Free counselling service
• -Corporate discounts at council-owned gyms
• -Bike to Work Scheme
• -Coaching, mentoring, apprenticeships, and professional qualifications including paid membership fees and even a £1k interest free learning loan for any non-job-related learning

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for all candidates who met the essential criteria in the job description and who have declared that they: have a disability, are from a Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic background, are a member of a reservist or have close family links to a member of the Armed Forces as we are under-represented by people from these communities.

The Liverpool City Region Combined Authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.

We actively promote diversity and inclusion. This role may be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route. We recommend that you assess your eligibility before applying for this position. Please visit https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa