Northern LGPS - Finance Manager
Bradford City Council
Job Introduction
Finance Manager
Help build the financial foundations of a new investment management company
Northern LGPS is entering a significant new phase of its development, establishing a new FCA authorised investment management company to manage around £70bn of assets on behalf of three Local Government Pension Scheme funds. As Finance Manager, you'll play a key role in developing a robust financial control environment that supports the organisation's long-term success.
Reporting to the Finance Director, you'll oversee day-to-day financial operations, working closely with an outsourced finance managed service to ensure accurate reporting, effective financial controls and regulatory compliance. This is an opportunity to help shape the finance function of a growing investment management organisation from the outset.
About Northern LGPS
Northern LGPS is a c£70bn pooled investment partnership for the Local Government Pension Scheme, bringing together the investments of Greater Manchester Pension Fund, Merseyside Pension Fund and West Yorkshire Pension Fund.
Building on the foundations of its collaboration over several years, Northern LGPS is now entering the next phase of its development. This phase focuses on establishing an FCA authorised investment management company with a dedicated senior leadership team, strengthening governance and creating a clear operating model to support long-term investment outcomes.
For those joining at this stage, the opportunity is exceptional. These roles offer the chance to shape strategy, set standards and build leadership capability for the long term, working closely with the partner funds, who are both shareholders and clients, Boards and regulators to ensure Northern LGPS continues to evolve as a well-governed, resilient investment organisation.
Our culture
As Northern LGPS continues to evolve, we are building a collaborative, open and trusting organisation where people can do their best work.
We believe strong outcomes come from working together, sharing knowledge and supporting one another. Our flexible and hybrid working arrangements give colleagues greater flexibility in how they manage their time, while supporting collaboration and colleague wellbeing.
We are developing a supportive learning culture where people are encouraged to grow, contribute ideas and help shape how the organisation works. Our ambition is to build a resilient and sustainable organisation that delivers for its Partner Funds over the long term.
Main responsibilities
You'll:
- Support the Finance Director in the day-to-day management of the finance function and act as the principal operational contact for the outsourced finance managed service.
- Lead the annual budgeting process, working with budget holders to prepare budgets, forecasts and financial analysis.
- Review monthly management accounts, financial reports and variance analysis to ensure accuracy and timely reporting.
- Prepare financial reporting packs for review and support responses to management and committee queries.
- Review tax returns and supporting analyses, including VAT and recharges, before approval.
- Monitor expenditure against budget, identifying opportunities to improve efficiency and strengthen financial control.
- Oversee cash management, cash flow forecasting, payment processes and liquidity monitoring.
- Manage the performance of the outsourced finance provider, monitoring service levels, KPIs and operational delivery.
- Support regulatory reporting, including MIFIDPRU returns, and contribute to the Internal Capital Adequacy and Risk Assessment (ICARA) process.
- Coordinate statutory accounts and external audit activities, ensuring information is accurate, complete and delivered on time.
- Maintain a strong financial control environment, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, accounting standards and internal policies.
What we're looking for
You'll bring strong financial management experience together with the ability to operate effectively in a regulated environment and build strong relationships across the organisation.
We're particularly interested in professionals who can demonstrate experience of:
- Financial management and operational finance.
- Budgeting, forecasting and financial analysis.
- Management accounting and financial reporting.
- Financial controls, governance and regulatory compliance.
- Cash flow management and treasury operations.
- Working with outsourced finance providers and managing service performance.
- Supporting statutory audits and regulatory reporting.
- Building strong relationships with senior stakeholders and external partners.
Qualifications
Must have:
- Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIMA) with a strong track record gained in an FCA-regulated investment firm.
Hours of work
37 hours per week.
Location
Any NLGPS location.
Salary Range and Grade
Grade D (£61,842 - £80,000)
Sponsorship
We are unable to offer sponsorship for this role.
How to apply
To apply, please submit your application via:
Application deadline: 28 August 2026 at 17:00 (5:00pm).
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive a sufficient volume of suitable applications.
Equal opportunities
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race (including colour, nationality, and ethnic or national origin), religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.
We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and able to thrive. If you require any adjustments to the recruitment process to support your application, please let us know, and we will work with you to meet your needs.
