Working hours: 35 hours per week
Contract type: Permanent
Closing date: 21 April 2026 
Interview method: in person
 
Applicants must have existing right to work in the UK, as visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
 
This role is subject to:
  • Legal right to Work: In accordance with Home Office guidance, successful candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK before commencement of employment.
  • 2 references - where possible, we require 3 years' history
  • Qualification - CCAB (Consultative Committee of Accountancy Bodies) qualification such as ACA, ACCA, CIPFA
A new and exciting opportunity has arisen in the Financial Management team at Manchester City Council. We are recruiting to a Principal Finance Manager role to support our Corporate Services and Growth & Development Directorate. This role plays a fundamental part in how we operate.
 
Our Finance Teams are key to the city’s non-stop rise out of tough times to a fairer future for residents, businesses, and visitors. We deliver high quality Financial Management, supporting the Council in transforming services to deliver effectively while achieving value for money. 
This is an exciting opportunity to play a central role in managing an extensive part of Manchester City Council’s revenue budgets and directly influencing how resources are used to improve outcomes for residents across the city.
 
In this role, you will:
  • Lead on a major part of the Council’s revenue budget, influencing key financial decisions.
  • Lead on monthly budget monitoring, ensuring service managers have accurate, timely information.
  • Lead financial analysis and financial modelling
  • Provide strategic financial advice and information to service managers and budget holders.
  • Scrutinise business cases and supporting the delivery of the Council’s priorities
  • Manage year‑end closure of accounts for the directorate
  • Prepare financial reports, briefing notes, presentations and performance dashboards. 
With direct line management responsibility, this role offers the chance to lead and develop others, build capability within the team, oversee team performance and have a visible impact on the Council’s financial sustainability.
 
The candidate will require a CCAB (Consultative Committee of Accountancy Bodies) qualification such as ACA, ACCA, CIPFA, or equivalent, experience in public sector financial management is desirable.
 
The role is hybrid, typically working 2 days in the office and 3 from home.
 
If you share Manchester’s aspiration to deliver high‑quality, value for money services for its residents and want to be part of a dedicated and forward‑thinking finance community, we would love to hear from you.
 

For an informal discussion, please contact the hiring manager, Lauren Smith at lauren.smith@manchester.gov.uk to arrange a convenient time to discuss the role.  

You’ll need to be a high-performing, enthusiastic person who is adaptable, resourceful and determined to turn your talents, and our investment in you, into a better future for Manchester and its residents.

Fourteen years of cuts and austerity have stretched our budgets, services, residents and local economy close to the limits. But Manchester has bucked trends and is continuing to grow. Our Finance Teams are key to the city’s non-stop rise out of tough times to a fairer future for residents, businesses, and visitors.

That’s because we attract staff who can think differently, who listen to and work with our residents – and each other – with profound understanding and compassion, and who aren’t afraid to try new things to get us where we aim to be.

We promote continuous improvement and embrace new technology, including Artificial Intelligence and the implementation of new tools and systems. We are currently updating our finance, HR, and payroll ERP system, a once in a generation change which is challenging, but brings exciting opportunities.

Are you ready to make a long-term commitment to working for Manchester City Council, helping us to tackle our complex and diverse challenges, and to provide the support, challenge, training, insight and intelligence our services need to make the best of our budgets for the benefit of our residents? 

You must be prepared to challenge the status quo to bring about change, be able to learn and share knowledge and experiences, have resilience and show dedication to making our city and our residents the best that they can be.

In return we will support and develop you in all aspects of the Financial Management service and to do this you will require an insight and understanding of all the services that we deliver and procure, to enable you to become everything you want to be.

 Essential requirements for the role:  

  • Must have CCAB (Consultative Committee of Accountancy Bodies) qualification such as ACA, ACCA, CIPFA, or equivalent.
  • Detailed understanding of the CIPFA Accounting Code, local government finance legislation, and accounts/audit regulations.
  • Strong Financial Management experience, including developing and managing revenue budgets, conducting in‑year monitoring, overseeing year‑end closure, and constructively challenging budget holders to ensure robust and realistic financial forecasts.
  • Proven people management experience in leading, supporting, motivating and directing team members.
  • Ability to analyse complex financial information and translate into accurate, consistent and understandable results.
  • Excellent communication and influencing skills, with the ability to convey financial information effectively to non‑financial stakeholders and to build strong, collaborative working relationships across the organisation
  • Strong planning and organisational capability, able to prioritise work, manage competing deadlines and maintain high standards under pressure.
  • Expertise with financial systems, databases, and advanced spreadsheet tools to support analysis and decision‑making
  • Demonstrates a commitment to ongoing professional development and continuous improvement in both personal practice and service delivery.

Desirable for the role:  

  • Experience in Public Sector Financial Management 

If you’re interested in this exciting and rewarding career opportunity, please complete the application form. 

Please be sure to submit a personal statement outlining how you match the role profile; note that any applications with CV’s only will not be considered. 

  •   

We’re the local council for one of the UK’s most vibrant and diverse cities. 

Working for Manchester isn’t just a job – it’s an opportunity to contribute to a city that leads change and transforms lives. Whether it’s strengthening communities or driving innovation in public services, you’ll play a vital role in creating opportunities and shaping a brighter future for everyone. 

Our Manchester is our vision for a fairer, greener, and healthier city – a vision shaped by the people of Manchester. It guides everything we do at the Council and is brought to life through the Our Manchester behaviours:

  • We take time to listen and understand
  • We work together and trust each other
  • We show that we value our differences and treat each other fairly
  • We ‘own it’ and we’re not afraid to try new things
  • We’re proud and passionate about Manchester

Benefits we offer 

  • Generous holiday allowance - Enjoy up to 26 days annual leave per year plus bank holidays. Increasing to 31 days after five years of local government service. Want more leave? You can purchase up to two additional weeks. 
  • A buzzing pension - You’ll be enrolled in the UK’s largest local government pension scheme, with plenty of options to top up your benefits. Includes life cover of three-times your salary as a lump sum. 
  • Enhanced parental and carers leave - Take advantage of our enhanced family leave options, designed to provide ample time for you to bond with your new born or support your family during critical life events. 
  • Brilliant perks - Access a range of discounts, from saving on the weekly shop to holidays and days out with MCR+. Plus discounts on phone contracts, cycle to work scheme, free flu jabs and eye tests, and more. 
  • Learn and grow - We are dedicated to nurturing talent and providing you with the tools to thrive. Take part in a diverse set of learning opportunities, from workshops and training sessions through to apprenticeships and qualifications. All this begins with our comprehensive onboarding process. 
  • A Good Employment Charter member - We are committed to offering secure, flexible work and embedding fairness into everything we do. We review pay annually, recognize three trade unions, and are constantly working to offer the best possible health and wellbeing support throughout all stages of your working life. 
  • Up to 3 days volunteering leave - Give back to the community with three days pro-rate of paid volunteering leave, in addition to existing benefits. 

Creating an Inclusive Team at Manchester City Council 

At Manchester City Council, we’re dedicated to creating a workplace that truly reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We actively welcome applications from people of all ages and backgrounds, particularly from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic communities, Disabled people and young people. 

Support During the Process

  • Interview Adjustments: Let us know if you need any adjustments to demonstrate your suitability during the interview.
  • Accessible Formats: Our ReciteMe tool can be accessed through the "Accessibility tools" button at the top of our careers page. This tool offers features like text-to-speech, translation into multiple languages, and adjustable text size and colour to make our site more accessible for everyone. 

Guaranteed Assessment Scheme 

We guarantee assessments for applicants who meet the recruiting panels minimum shortlisting requirements for the role and identify with at least one of the criteria below:

  • Members of the Armed Forces members or veterans
  • Current or former care leavers
  • Have a disability or long-term condition

 When You Join Us 

We’re a Disability Confident Employer, offering:

  • A workplace adjustment hub which provides specialist support, advice and guidance to ensure you have the adjustments needed to thrive at work.
  • Disabled Staff Network, Neurodiversity Staff Network and Mental Health Staff Network that provides a safe inclusive space to share experiences and opportunities to influence council practice.
  • A strong commitment to ensuring all information adheres to accessibility standards and that our workplaces are accessible and disability-friendly.

For more information about the role or any adjustments, email jobs@manchester.gov.uk. 

What we will need from you if you're successful 

In accordance with Home Office guidance, successful candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK before commencement of employment. This is not a role we consider to be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route based on Manchester City Council policy. Candidates are therefore encouraged to consider their own right to work options without the requirement for Manchester City Council sponsorship.  

Pre-Employment Checks 

If you are successful in securing a position with us, the pre-employment checks required will depend on the role you’ve applied for, see the top of the advert for details.

These checks are an important part of our commitment to ensuring the safety and security of our workforce and the community we serve. 

Other relevant information 

We want everyone to be able to be themselves at work and give their best. If you need additional support to undertake the duties of the role, we’ll make every effort to source any necessary aids, adaptations or equipment. If, however, any task proves to be unachievable, we will look at redesigning parts of the role. 

For more information about the role, please ensure that you read the role profile attached.
 
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) 
Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application. However, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. 
 
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Location

, , Manchester, , United Kingdom

Job ID

7885

Supporting You Through Every Step of Your Journey

We want every candidate to feel welcomed, informed and confident when applying for a role with us.

This section brings together everything you need to succeed - from guidance on writing an authentic application to and understanding how to use AI responsibly.

You’ll also find information about our Greater Manchester commitments, including our inclusive employment schemes and standards, as well as tools to help you explore your potential pay, benefits and entitlements. We’re here to ensure you have the support you need at every stage.

Working for a local authority in Greater Manchester

Local authorities across Greater Manchester are proud to be part of a shared commitment to widening access to employment and ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

These commitments span a number of long‑standing schemes and initiatives designed to open doors, remove barriers and ensure all applicants feel valued and respected throughout their employment journey.

Greater Manchester Good Employment Charter

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Greater Manchester Good Employment Charter

Find out more

Our Guaranteed Assessment Scheme

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Our Guaranteed Assessment Scheme

Find out more

Greater Manchester Continuous Service Commitment

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Greater Manchester Continuous Service Commitment

Find out more

Greater Manchester People Inclusion Standards

People with disabilities and different backgrounds in a community

Greater Manchester People Inclusion Standards

Find out more

Your Pay, Your Benefits, Your Future

Explore easy‑to‑use tools that help you understand your take‑home pay and how different employment situations may affect the financial support available to you and your household.

  1. Calculate Your Take‑Home Pay

    Use this salary calculator to estimate your net pay after tax, National Insurance, and pension contributions.

    Estimate your Income Tax for the current year (Gov.uk)

  2. Check Your Benefits Entitlement

    See how changes in employment, hours or salary may affect your benefits and household income.

    Turn2us Benefits Calculator

Applying Authentically With AI: Our Greater Manchester Approach

Across Greater Manchester’s local authorities, we want to hear your genuine experiences, skills and motivations, expressed in your own words.

To keep our recruitment process fair and inclusive, please complete your application personally and follow the instructions carefully. AI can be used to support you - for example, to help structure your answers or as a reasonable adjustment - but your application should still reflect your authentic voice. If you do use AI as a support tool, a brief explanation helps us ensure an equitable selection process.

Applications that depend too heavily on AI‑generated content may not progress to shortlisting.

This guidance outlines acceptable and unacceptable uses of AI, along with suggestions for using it in a way that supports you while keeping your application true to you.

  1. What Is AI and How Do We Use It Across Greater Manchester?

    AI refers to technology that can create or refine content, such as text, ideas, summaries, or planning. It can help improve productivity, problem-solving, and creativity.

    We’re open to using innovative digital tools where they can help us work smarter and deliver better services for our residents. However, every use of AI is carefully considered to make sure it is ethical, responsible, and aligned with public-sector values.

    When it comes to recruitment, we take a human-centred approach.

    This means:

    • A trained hiring manager reads every application

    • Shortlisting is based on objective criteria required for the job

    • Interviews are conducted in person or via teams by the hiring manager for the role

    • All hiring decisions are made by hiring managers, not algorithms

    AI does not make decisions in our recruitment process and our managers are being upskilled to spot AI in applications, particularly when this might have been used in a way that doesn’t feel genuine. If something in an application raises a question or concern, we will test this out with assessments or at the interview stage to confirm authenticity.

    Our aim isn’t to catch anyone out but to make sure we’re getting to know the real you, giving every candidate a fair chance and finding the right person for the role.

  2. Using AI in Your Application

    When it comes to job applications, what matters most to us is you. We want to see your personality, your experience, and what excites you about joining our team. 

    We recognise that AI can be a helpful tool to support accessibility during the application process. If you choose to use AI for support, please read the instructions carefully and make sure your application is written in your own words, reflecting your genuine skills, knowledge, experience and enthusiasm.

    We’re looking forward to hearing your story.

  3. How to use AI Effectively and Responsibly

    Your application is your chance to show us:

    • Who you are

    • What you can bring

    • The values you hold

    • Why you want to make a difference

    AI can help you organise your thoughts or improve clarity but it cannot express your unique voice, experiences, or motivations.

    AI is most helpful when used to:

    • Help you structure the information you are providing to evidence the criteria

    • Give examples of how to use STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result)

    • Proof-read to highlight grammar or spelling errors

    • Provide inspiration if you're finding it difficult to find the right words to explain something

    But remember: your honesty, lived experience, and motivations are irreplaceable.

  4. Do’s and Don’ts for Using AI in the Recruitment Process

    Do:

    • Use AI as a supportive tool, not a replacement

    • Ask AI to help tidy up your writing or clarify structure

    • Use it to brainstorm examples, then rewrite them in your own voice

    • Reflect on AI suggestions and adapt them to match your experience

    • Use AI to help with research, but express your understanding yourself

    Don’t:

    • Copy and paste AI-generated content directly into your application

    • Let AI exaggerate or invent experience you do not have

    • Rely on generic statements that don’t reflect the specific role requirements

    • Remove your individuality, we want to hear your voice