12 Bradford Council jobs in England & Wales

Job IntroductionBradford 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 in order to support the Council's ambitious new corporate strategy and plans.A restructure has recently completed with the department now comprising four key teams: Management Accounting; Corporate and Strategic Finance; Projects, Systems and Commercial; and Internal Audit, Risk, Business Development and Improvement. The restructure includes significant additional capacity and investment in training and development.A new service plan is being developed during 2025 with a clear strategic focus and direction including a development plan to focus on delivering financial literacy across the organisation, while at the same time, 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 4 months, both with an unqualified opinion.
• a very positive half year report by the Council's Independent Board., The Principal Advisor Tax role is at the heart of the Finance team and essential to the delivery of the Council's plans and future financial sustainability. You will work in our corporate and strategic finance team working with departments and service areas to provide a best-in-class finance service. You will work with our finance managers and strategic finance managers to implement the future development of the service thus enabling 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 a Principal Accountant - Taxation to join our dedicated team in the Finance Department. You will work closely with the Strategic Finance Manager and Finance Manager in our capital accounting, treasury and taxation team supporting the Council officers and members by providing an expert specialist advice and accounting service.The successful
candidates will be expected to lead, develop and ensure implementation and review change management programmes to deliver continual improvement.The main responsibilities of this role are:
• To positively support and deliver the vision, values and strategic objectives of the Council's services through providing constructive and timely advice on Tax matters identifying innovative solutions as appropriate.
• To supervise the work of other members of the section as appropriate, in regard to the completion of the VAT return and the provision of Taxation advice.
• Working on own initiative in a highly specialised field with a high degree of discretion and delegated authority.
• Demonstrate initiative, political awareness, professional and supervisory competence in carrying out the functions of the post.
• Make a major and sustained contribution to develop, drive forward and implement the necessary changes to make the Council an excellent Authority.
• Liaise with top management and other senior officers, other Council services, external agencies providing professional information and advice on all taxation matters.
• Represent and promote the Council on Tax issues at appropriate local, regional and national forums and maintain and develop working relationships with professional bodies and other groups to ensure effective representation and promote meaningful networking.
• Actively seek continuous improvement in the performance and development of the Finance Service and facilitating best value in service delivery.
• Act as ambassador for the Finance Team by showing professionalism, high personal standards of integrity and courtesy at all times. Promote this culture throughout the organisation.
• The post holder must be flexible to ensure the operational needs of the Council are met. This will include the undertaking of duties of a similar nature and responsibility as and when required, throughout the various workplaces in the Council.
• Organise, deliver and participate in Tax training events to improve the skills knowledge and understanding of financial and non-financial managers/staff.
• To promote fairness and inclusion across all service provision and employment through personal example, open commitment, clear action and direction.
• Responsible for carrying out staff appraisals including the implementation and monitoring of staff development plans, objectives and appraisal targets.
• Coach and mentor individuals promoting high quality learning, staff development, assisting with career progression and continuous service improvement.
• Assist in the recruitment and selection of staff.
• Responsible for the welfare, health and safety of staff within a designated area of responsibility, ensuring corporate standards are met; management of sickness absence being a key priority.