Business Finance Manager; Commercial Focus

A Commercial Role – Powered by Public Sector Strength

This is a rare opportunity to bring your private sector commercial expertise into a role where the focus is firmly on driving business performance, profitability and growth— not policy.

North Yorkshire Council is seeking a high‑calibre, commercially astute finance leader to oversee the financial function of its portfolio of council‑owned companies, with a particular focus on Brierley Homes, our residential development business.

You’ll operate as a true commercial partner to the Managing Director and leadership team— shaping decisions, managing investment, and ensuring strong financial returns across a complex development pipeline.

All within the context of a stable, flexible and highly rewarding local government employment offer and within a large financial services team.

This is a strategic and hands‑on commercial finance leadership role, responsible for:

• Leading the end‑to‑end finance function across council‑owned companies
• Driving financial performance, governance and decision‑making across multiple residential development projects
• Managing cash flow, funding arrangements and investment structures
• Providing clear, actionable insight to the Board and Shareholder
• Acting as a key advisor to the Managing Director on all financial matters

You will work at the heart of a commercially focused organisation—partnering closely with construction, development and commercial teams to understand cost drivers, risks and opportunities in real time.

You will be responsible for the effective leadership and delivery of the organisation’s finance function, ensuring strong governance, compliance and commercial insight.

• Oversee project cashflow, cost to complete and profitability forecasting
• Lead on financial reporting to Board, Shareholder and senior stakeholders
• Manage development funding, drawdowns and lender compliance
• Ensure robust financial governance across group entities and SPVs
• Deliver accurate monthly management accounts and statutory reporting, ensuring compliance
• Drive financial insight and performance improvement across the business
• Support strategic projects and commercial decision‑making at the highest level

We are looking for a commercial thinker first and foremost—someone who understands how finance drives business success.

You will bring:

• Proven experience as a Financial Controller / Senior Finance Manager in a commercial environment
• Strong expertise in project‑based finance, cashflow management, and financial modelling
• A track record of influencing strategic decisions and delivering business outcomes
• Confidence working with senior stakeholders, including Boards and non‑finance leaders
• A recognised accounting qualification (CIMA, ACCA, ACA or equivalent)

• Experience in residential development, construction or real estate
• Understanding of development finance, SPVs and complex funding structures

• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
• Generous annual leave entitlement
• Flexible and hybrid working (typically 3 days on site)
• Job security and long‑term career development
• The opportunity to work on high‑impact developments that shape communities