Senior Finance Manager

Senior Finance Manager – Systems Accounting

Ashton-under-Lyme

Join Our Finance Team - Build your career. Shape our borough. Grow with us.

Tameside Council is transforming its Finance Service to create a modern, ambitious and highly skilled function. We are building a team that is strategic, forward thinking and committed to continuous improvement, and we are looking for talented people who want to grow with us.

We are seeking an experienced and innovative Senior Finance Manager to lead our Systems Accounting function within the Corporate Finance team, with a strong focus on maximising the value of our existing (but not limited to) Unit4 (ERP) platform. This is a pivotal role driving the effective use, development, and optimisation of financial systems to support high quality reporting, robust controls, and efficient processes across the Council

As lead on systems accounting, you will act as the key interface between finance and digital services, ensuring that Unit4 is fully aligned with business needs and enabling transformation through system improvements, automation, and data insight. Responsible for maintaining the integrity of the general ledger and associated modules, including workflow, reporting, and data structures, alongside overseeing system controls, user access, and governance to ensure compliance with audit and regulatory standards while continually seeking opportunities to enhance user experience and streamline processes.

You will provide expert support and training to finance teams and budget holders, promoting consistent and effective use of Unit4 across the organisation. You will play a pivotal role in financial transformation initiatives, leveraging system functionality to enable more timely, accurate, and insightful financial reporting, supporting strategic decision-making and continuous improvement.

This role is ideal for a forward-thinking finance professional with strong technical systems expertise, a deep understanding of Unit4, and a passion for driving continuous improvement through digital innovation.

If you're passionate about high quality financial management and want to work in an organisation where your development truly matters, this is your opportunity to apply for a key role in the finance team.

A cornerstone of our People Plan is Learning & Growth, and our Finance Development Pathway is designed to support every colleague from Apprentice to Head of Finance to build a meaningful and fulfilling career.

Here, your career progression is not left to chance. We provide:

• Clear development pathways showing how your role can evolve over time from exploring and expanding your skills, to moving sideways for broader experience, to progressing into more senior positions.
• Supported qualifications, including AAT, CIPFA and leadership & management programmes.
• A strong culture of development through My Performance conversations, shadowing, mentoring and structured skills-building.

Progress to the next career step with the right experience and qualifications supported by a wide range of learning and development options.

Voluntary rotational opportunities (every two years) let you broaden experience, expand your knowledge across finance disciplines and build a stronger professional profile.

Take on new learning opportunities, join employee networks, become a Wellbeing Champion, shadow colleagues, or develop specialist interests.

Our STRIVE values Supportive, Team focused, Respectful, Innovative, Valued, Empowering shape how we work.

• Competitive salary and Local Government Pension Scheme
• 36‑hour working…