Councils employ finance teams of every size, from a handful of people in a district council to hundreds in a large county or city. Here is what the work involves and how careers develop.
The teams
- Corporate finance. The budget, the medium term financial plan, the statement of accounts and treasury management.
- Service finance and business partnering. Working with social care, children's services, housing, highways and other services on their budgets.
- Revenues and benefits. Council tax, business rates and housing benefit. See revenues and benefits careers.
- Internal audit and counter fraud. Checking controls and investigating fraud, often in shared services covering several councils.
- Exchequer, payroll and pensions. Paying suppliers and staff, collecting income, and running Local Government Pension Scheme funds.
What makes it different
Councils must set a balanced budget each year and publish their accounts, and the work has a clear cycle around budget setting and year-end. Pressure on budgets means finance staff are closely involved in big decisions.
Pay and benefits
Posts are usually paid on council grades, with the Local Government Pension Scheme, generous leave and flexible working. See the salary guide.
Moving up
Many people move between councils to step up a grade. The top of the ladder is Director of Finance and Section 151 Officer. See what a Section 151 Officer does.