Strategic Manager – Finance & Commercial

Senior Business Partner x 3

Accountant

Assistant Accountant

Income and Reconciliation Assistant

Welcome

Stoke-on-Trent City Council are currently undergoing an ambitious transformation across their services and are partnering with Castlefield to support this exciting change. After successfully adding a number of driven individuals as part of the initial phase of the transformation, we are now looking for an additional 12 candidates with the ambition and determination to continue this journey and become influential members of a forward-thinking finance team.
With excellent benefits and opportunities for internal progression, you will play an integral role in helping drive positive change across the city of Stoke. This is a fantastic opportunity to develop your career within a first class business partnering environment, working to increase commerciality across the Council and helping with the strategic drive to develop a city people can be proud of.
Named as one of the top 20 cities to live in the UK, Stoke-on-Trent is very much a city on the up and is continuing to grow. The Council are at the forefront of Levelling Up and are embarking on a number of ambitious and exciting projects, with the Finance team playing a key role in supporting delivery.
Stoke-on-Trent City Council is a fantastic place to work and we aim to support the people who live and work here by providing the best services that meets the needs of communities and families. We welcome applications from people whose skills, experience and knowledge will help us to achieve our vision.

Case studies

“After five years in the legal sector at Stoke, I spotted a Graduate Trainee Accountant position within the Council and have never looked back. After qualifying, my line manager and more senior members of staff supported me to progress to the role of Senior Business Partner where I worked closely with the Housing, Development and Growth Directorate. It was here that I formed great relationships with senior managers across the organisation and was able to put my own stamp on the role. Through continuous development and support from management, I was promoted into the role of Strategic Manager – Finance & Commercial, where I managed a number of teams and lead on commercial finance for the organisation, including the financial oversight of a number of arms-length companies. In June 2022 I was promoted to Assistant Director (Deputy S.151 Officer). After 11 years at Stoke City Council I continue to be motivated and energised by the number and variety of services and operations that the finance team support. No day is the same and with the ongoing programme of transformation, not to mention the Levelling Up Fund, this is a great time to be at Stoke.”

Matt Chadburn, Assistant Director – Finance & Commercial (Deputy S.151 Officer)

 

“I have worked within Finance in Local Government for 18 years and started working for Stoke-on-Trent City Council in July 2021 as an Accountant.   I was drawn to Stoke by their ambitious transformation programme and enthusiasm to regenerate the City, and relished the opportunity to be part of this and achieve better outcomes for the residents and businesses of my home town.

I currently support the delivery of the Council’s transformation programme and financial monitoring within the Adult Social Care team.  My previous roles were within a District Council and so working at a Unitary Council has provided opportunities to support a wider range of service areas and support with larger scale projects.  The flexible working programme and mix of office and home based working also provides an ideal home/work life balance and there are a significant number of opportunities for learning and personal development.  I have really settled in to my role thanks to the help and support of my colleagues.”

Claire Hazeldene, Accountant – Adult Social Care

 

“I spent 7 years studying and working up to an Accountant within the Service Industry, but wanted to switch to Local Government to make a difference within my home City. I started working for Stoke City Council in May 2021 and was immediately excited by the passion shown by the Finance Management team and staff within the wider Directorate.
I have worked as the Accountant for Adult Social Care and Commissioning for just over a year now. Over the past 12 months I have had to opportunity to work on several transformation projects, develop finance models and improve forecasting for key service areas, helping to continuously improve budgetary control. People from all levels of the hierarchy are friendly, happy to help and offer advice across all aspects of work. There are opportunities to be involved in a variety of tasks and projects with clear structures for personal development. Switching to Local Government was one of the best decisions I have made in my professional career. In September 2022 I am pleased to say I was promoted to Senior Business Partner ”

Tim Baker, Accountant

Do you want to be part of this exciting journey? 

Please click on the opportunities below to discover the roles, benefits and much more!

Opportunities

How to Apply

To apply please send us your CV by clicking the button below

Alternatively, book in a call with one of our Public Sector specialist recruitment consultants to find out more about the role and the Council as an employer.

Matthew Swindell

M: 07717 774701

E: matthew.swindell@castlefieldrecruitment.com 

Timescales

Application deadline: Ongoing

Interviews: Ongoing

Candidate Pack

Want to find out more?

Download the pack and get all the information you need to ensure this is the right opportunity for you.

Click the link button to download.

Our Location

As well as offering flexible and home working our offices are easily accessible from a number of surrounding areas by car and train, conveniently located near both J15 and J16 (M6) and also just 300 yards from Stoke-on-Trent train station. Stoke is a short drive from the scenic Peak District National Park and has a number of exciting destinations nearby as well as shops, bars and vibrant restaurants. We are within an hour of the below locations;

  • Liverpool
  • Manchester
  • Birmingham
  • Wolverhampton
  • Derby
  • Nottingham
  • Stafford
  • Crewe
  • Chester

MEET YOUR CONSULTANT

Meet the Consultant

Matthew Swindell

Matthew leads Castlefield’s Local Government Finance Division, recruiting roles up to Director level.

He has an extensive nationwide network, with a strong track record partnering with a range of local authorities across the UK, on both a retained and contingent basis.

He prides himself on his personable and honest approach to recruitment, building on Castlefield’s successes in delivering on significant retained and multi-vacancy campaigns across the sector.

Castlefield Recruitment constantly seeks to deliver a professional, honest and straightforward approach that not only offers the highest level of service, but also strives to stay at the forefront of an ever-changing market place.