Job Introduction
Business Support Finance Officer
Salary Band 8 - £31,022 - £33,699
This is a permanent position, working 37 or 18.5 hours per week, depending on service delivery needs across Bradford—including Bradford City Centre, Keighley, and Shipley.
Working for the Bradford Children and Families Trust offers the opportunity to work with some great people who are passionate about delivering change in a city whose culture offers as much diversity as it’s geography. You can make a real difference to families and children and be an active part in delivering the service Bradford families should receive.
We are fully committed to equal opportunities and we welcome applications from all backgrounds.
About the role:
Administering and maintaining financial records using SAP and other financial systems, including the generation and management of invoices, updating customer details, and processing payments. All activities will be conducted in strict accordance with established service policies and procedures, ensuring robust financial compliance. This includes the set-up of both internal and external payroll vendors, with continual review and refinement of processes to identify and implement improvements in accuracy, efficiency, and compliance. Additionally, you will handle miscellaneous payments as required, always prioritising adherence to financial regulations and best practice.
Utilising ContROCC to oversee and monitor both single and recurring payments, process and validate invoices, calculate payments for input onto LCS, and identify or alert colleagues to any submission errors for timely resolution. You will be expected to uphold the highest standards of financial integrity and compliance, regularly reviewing procedures to identify areas for enhancement and to ensure all transactions meet statutory and organisational requirements.
Managing and reconciling changes affecting payments—such as underpayments and overpayments—by leveraging internal financial systems and conducting manual calculations to investigate and resolve discrepancies effectively. This responsibility includes maintaining meticulous records for audit purposes and actively seeking opportunities to strengthen internal controls and improve reconciliation processes in line with financial compliance standards.
Coordinating the provision of interim payments to families where required, for example as substitutes for benefits, income support, grants, payments to unaccompanied asylum seekers, and urgent family assistance. This also includes processing invoices for goods and services in response to service needs, ensuring all payments are compliant with relevant financial legislation and Trust policies. You will participate in regular reviews to identify and implement improvements, ensuring the process remains efficient, transparent, and compliant.
You will ensure all payment methods comply with financial regulations and internal policies, proactively recommending improvements and supporting the adoption of best practice across the Trust's financial operations.
Our strategic vision and values https://www.bradfordcft.org.uk/about-us/our-vision-and-values/ are upheld across the Trust, fostering a reliable and supportive environment for both staff and the children in our care.
Our approach is rooted in restorative and relational practice, fostering trust, mutual respect, and meaningful relationships with children, families, and professionals.
You will also have:
- Demonstrated professional experience as a Finance Officer or in a similar financial role within a complex organisational setting
- Comprehensive understanding of financial and accounting procedures, with a strong grasp of compliance and regulatory requirements
- Proficient in using financial software, including hands-on experience with SAP and ContROCC systems
- Advanced proficiency in MS Excel, including the use of complex formulas, data analysis, and reporting functions
- Exceptional analytical and numerical skills, enabling accurate financial reconciliation and error resolution
- Excellent time management skills, with the ability to prioritise tasks and meet tight deadlines in a high-pressure environment
- Upholds the highest standards of professional ethics, with a proven ability to handle confidential financial data securely
- Educated to GCSE level (minimum 5 GCSEs or equivalent), ideally including Maths and English
- Outstanding customer service skills, demonstrating the ability to engage effectively with stakeholders at all levels
- Meticulous attention to detail, ensuring accuracy in all aspects of financial record-keeping and reporting
- Extensive experience processing, monitoring, and reconciling a diverse range of payments, including interim and emergency transactions
- Competent in managing both automated and manual financial processes, including identifying and rectifying submission errors and resolving discrepancies
- Knowledgeable in BACs payment processing and emergency payment arrangements, adhering to internal and statutory guidelines
- Familiar with financial procedures specific to local government and the public sector environment
- Ability to work collaboratively within a restorative and relational practice framework, building positive, trust-based relationships with children, families, and professionals
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, capable of conveying complex financial information clearly and professionally
- Proven ability to maintain accuracy and compliance while working under pressure and meeting organisational deadlines
You’ll also be joining an organisation that truly values its people, offering a range of benefits designed to support your wellbeing, growth, and work-life balance, including:
- Generous annual leave - 31 days rising to 34 with service, plus bank holidays
- Excellent Local Government pension
- Family-friendly policies and enhanced parental leave
- Health & wellbeing support, including Occupational Health and counselling
- Professional development and career progression opportunities
For full details of our benefits, please see the attached ‘Our Benefits’ brochure.
Bradford Children and Families Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all employees to share this commitment.
If shortlisted, you will be required to disclose relevant information regarding criminal history prior to interview.
A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check including a check against the Children’s barred list, will be carried out on preferred candidates.
To arrange an informal discussion, please contact Neil Bell – Business Support Finance Manager via Neil.Bell@bradfordcft.org.uk or Rebecca Simmonds – Head of Service Business Support via rebecca.simmonds@bradfordcft.org.uk
Closing Date: 25/01/2026
Interviews: 5th and 6th February 2026
Interview Location - Keighley Town Hall