Finance Manager (Deputy Head of Finance)

Being a part of Kent Fire and Rescue Service 

Everyone is unique. Everyone has value. Everyone helps to make Kent Fire and Rescue Service a great place to work. We are one team. Together with our customers we are creating a safer future for Kent and Medway.

Being a Finance Manager

As a Finance Manager, you’ll work with a variety of people across Kent Fire & Rescue Service, building trusted relationships with stakeholders, and play an integral role in the full range of financial and accounting activities undertaken by the Finance Team.

Your role will be pivotal in leading and managing a team of approximately 24 colleagues and you will directly support the Head of Finance in contributing to the long-term financial strategy and sustainability of the Authority.

What you’ll do

• Support the Head of Finance in the delivery of all finance-related functions, with specific oversight of payroll, pensions (including the Firefighters’ Pension Fund), tax, insurance, governance and exchequer activities
• Deputise for the Head of Finance and provide cover and support to the other Finance Manager’s primary responsibilities (budget strategy, budget support, capital and treasury management activities)
• Manage and co-ordinate aspects of the closure of the Authority’s accounts
• Oversee aspects of internal and external reporting, including reviewing and authorising government returns
• Optimise financial processes within the team and across the wider organisation ensuring they are operating efficiently and effectively
• Ensure the Authority’s continuous compliance with all relevant legislative requirements

What you’ll bring

• Fully qualified accountant with an institute as defined by the Local Government Finance Act (or in final stages of qualifying)
• Experience of effectively leading, managing and developing a diverse team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement
• Experience of establishing and maintaining robust financial controls
• Meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills to convey complex information clearly and concisely to diverse audiences
• Excellent organisation skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to work collaboratively and build relationships with other teams and external bodies

Benefits

• Automatic membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme
• Blue Light Card discount scheme supported by a number of high street retailers
• A range of family friendly policies including promoting work-life balance
• Access to health and wellbeing services and advice
• Access to LinkedIn learning online training
• Free parking
• Above all you’ll become part of a service that is committed to the safety of our community

How to apply

Please complete an online application and CV by midnight on 3 August 2025
Interviews will take place 18 August and 19 August 2025.

Inclusion is at the heart of everything we do. We know that great minds don’t think alike, so we rely on diverse thoughts, feelings, beliefs and backgrounds to create the best working environment that we can possibly offer.

Kent Fire and Rescue Service, its employees and volunteers, are committed to safeguarding, protecting and supporting children, young people and adults at risk. As part of our safer recruitment process, we will undertake pre-employment checks to verify your suitability for the role. These checks will include your references and a standard or enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Enhanced DBS check with barred lists are carried out for roles with direct and unsupervised access to children, young people and adults at risk. Risk assessments will be undertaken on any disclosures identified as part of the pre-employment checks.

As a Public Sector organisation with added responsibilities under the Equality Act, 2010 the candidate must demonstrate an understanding of what is meant by Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and how this fits in with their everyday work.