Your Influence and Responsibility

• Analytical foundation: You'll develop and maintain the financial models that underpin the council's medium-term financial planning – your work will inform decisions at the highest level.
• Funding expertise: You'll be a subject matter expert on funding streams, legislative changes, and government reforms – providing insight that shapes the council's financial strategy.
• Process improvement: You'll establish and implement processes for accurate monitoring and reporting of Business Rates, grants, and other funding streams.
• Collaboration: You'll work with colleagues across Finance and the wider council, contributing to the development, implementation, and monitoring of the finance business plan.

What You'll Lead and Influence

• Developing financial models and analytics to determine the financial impact of future service demands and legislative changes
• Supporting the Head of Financial Strategy to advise on the long-term sustainability of the Council
• Projecting the longer-term funding envelope for the council, including Business Rates, Council Tax, RSG, and specific grants
• Maintaining the corporate MTFP timetable to ensure all corporate requirements are planned for and included
• Implementing processes for accurate monitoring and recording of grants
• Completing corporate funding-related returns, including Business Rates NNDR forms and Council Tax base and leaflet requirements
• In partnership with other core cities, SIGOMA, and consultants understand the impact of developments in Local Government funding on the Council’s financial sustainability

Who We're Looking For

You're an experienced finance professional who combines technical expertise with the ability to analyse complex data, develop robust financial models, and communicate insights clearly. You thrive on detail, you're curious about how funding systems work, and you understand that accurate financial planning is the foundation of sound decision-making.

You'll bring:

• CCAB qualified Accountant with diverse experience at a senior level within a local authority setting, or qualified by experience
• A thorough understanding of accounting principles and practice and their applicability to local government accounts
• Ability to demonstrate clear budget management and budget-setting competencies with good knowledge of budget systems, monitoring, and public sector financial regulations
• Experience of supporting the development and delivery of a council-wide MTFP or similar long-term financial strategy
• Experience as a team leader in a complex organisation with similar responsibilities, budget, and resources
• Ability to communicate complex financial information effectively to both finance and non-finance audiences

You'll also bring the behaviours that make a great local government finance professional:

• A methodical, detail-oriented mindset – you take personal pride in the accuracy of financial modelling and the reliability of the data you produce
• A risk-aware, not risk-averse approach – you instinctively spot financial risks and control weaknesses early, but focus on managing those risks rather than shutting down progress entirely
• The ability to work under pressure – you remain calm during high-stakes situations like budget-setting or external scrutiny, and you have a natural instinct to share your knowledge and support colleagues
• A pragmatic, innovative approach – you don't rely on "the way things have always been done"; you proactively look for ways to improve financial modelling and reporting processes
• Political astuteness – you understand the friction between political aspirations and financial realities, and you have the confidence to constructively challenge when required
• A mission-driven, public service orientation – you're genuinely motivated by stewardship and the assurance that every pound of taxpayer money is maximised to best serve the community

Why Nottingham, Why Now?

Few councils have undergone a change of this scale. Having rebuilt financial resilience and restored confidence, we're now focused on long-term excellence.

Nottingham's financial recovery has been remarkable. In November 2023, the council issued a Section 114 notice. By early 2026, the government confirmed its intention to scale back intervention – acknowledging the significant progress made. The council delivered a £20.4m net underspend in 2025/26, did not require Exceptional Financial Support, and set a balanced budget for 2026/27. Debt has fallen from £827m to £292m in six years. These are not just statistics – they represent difficult decisions, disciplined financial management, and a council that has fundamentally changed how it operates.

But the next phase is harder. The council must continue to deliver savings while investing in services. It must navigate a national funding landscape that the Local Government Association warns has a £6.2bn funding gap across 2025–26 and 2026–27. It must manage the financial implications of Local Government Reorganisation – with £28m set aside for preparation costs – while maintaining day-to-day financial control.

Nottingham's relatively high proportion of lower-band properties continues to limit the income it can raise compared with other areas, meaning a greater reliance on government funding and grants. Social care demand remains the main pressure on finances, alongside inflation and wider economic conditions. The Senior Accountant (MTFP) will be at the centre of this work – developing the models, monitoring the funding streams, and providing the analysis that will shape Nottingham's financial future.

This is a role for someone who understands that in local government, the numbers are not just numbers – they represent services, communities, and the future of a city.

We offer:

• Local Government Pension Scheme – one of the most generous in the country
• Hybrid working – flexibility to balance office and home
• Flexible working arrangements
• Ongoing learning and development
• A supportive, inclusive culture
• Up to 26 days annual leave, plus bank holidays increasing with time served
• Employee wellbeing support

Our Commitment to Inclusion

We are proud to be an inclusive employer where everyone is valued and respected. We want our workforce to reflect the communities we serve.

We particularly welcome applications from:

• Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities
• LGBT+ communities
• Disabled people

♿ Disability Confident Employer – guaranteed interview scheme available (let us know if you wish to apply under this scheme)
🎖️ Armed Forces Covenant signatory

Ready to shape the numbers that shape Nottingham