West Berkshire CouncilMultiple Vacancies
Latest VacanciesJoin a Forward-Thinking Council Driving Sustainable Growth and Financial Excellence
West Berkshire Council is a unitary authority serving approximately 160,000 residents, with a clear vision for innovation, sustainability, and community wellbeing. The Council has made substantial investments in carbon reduction initiatives, including widespread photovoltaic installations and the development of a solar farm in the eastern part of the district. Significant enhancements to leisure facilities and rural walking and cycling infrastructure have further established West Berkshire as a scenic and health-conscious place to live.
Shannon Coleman-Slaughter
Service Director Finance, Property & Procurement
Our Leadership
Led by Jeff Brookes, the Leader of the Council, our leadership team is a group of dedicated individuals committed to serving our community. With a blend of experience, insight, and a collaborative approach, they work together to ensure that the council meets the needs of our residents in the most effective and compassionate way possible. Our leadership is divided into two key areas: political leadership, provided by our elected councillors who represent the voice of the community and shape our strategic direction; and internal leadership, carried out by our dedicated officers who manage the day-to-day operations of the council. Together, we are united in our purpose to make a positive difference in the lives of everyone in West Berkshire.
To support these strategic ambitions, the Council is undertaking a comprehensive transformation of its finance service. This programme is designed to build long-term resilience, attract high-calibre professionals, and ensure the delivery of expert financial guidance across the organisation. We are now recruiting for several key roles that will shape the future of the service and contribute to the Council’s wider objectives.
This role reports directly to the Service Director for Finance, Property & Procurement (151 Officer), and forms apart of the wider service management team. The role will also be required on occasion for deputise for the director. The role is responsible for overseeing teams covering capital accounting, treasury management, strategic assets including the Council’s commercial property portfolio, estates management and Health & Safety. The role is diverse with a focus on ensuring the Council’s estate is well managed, optimised from a usage perspective and delivers value for money.
This role reports directly to the Service Director for Finance, Property & Procurement (151 Officer), and forms apart of the wider service management team. The role will be responsible for overseeing teams covering corporate procurement and social care commissioning. Effective procurement and commission is key for Council’s in respect of long term financial planning and financial resilience. The successful candidate will be an individual with a drive to implement change and ensure the Council develops relations with providers ensuring growth of a resilient social care market across the district and neighbouring districts.
This newly created role reports to the Service Lead for Finance (Deputy Section 151 Officer) and is central to the finance transformation programme. The postholder will lead five business partnering teams covering the full spectrum of Council services—from adult social care to environmental services. This is an excellent opportunity for a qualified accountant with team management experience to shape a strategic function, support the development of robust business cases, and enhance budget planning and monitoring processes across the organisation.
As part of the ongoing transformation, we are introducing a new Finance Manager role to support both the Senior Finance Business Partner and the Service Lead for Finance. The successful candidate will play a key role in refining budget development and monitoring processes, while providing high-quality financial advice and supporting the creation of business cases aligned with the Council’s strategic goals. Strong technical expertise and experience in managing finance teams are essential.
The finance service is committed to delivering high-quality support and strategic insight to the wider Council. We are building a culture rooted in respect, integrity, and professional growth—where individual ambition is recognised and rewarded, and where our collective success drives meaningful impact across the district.
Now is a great time to join our finance, property and procurement service and real-life examples of progression and meaningful work-life balance are detailed by Joseph Holmes, the Council’s CEO and Shannon Coleman-Slaughter, the Council’s Service Director Finance, Property & Procurement & Section 151 Officer.
Latest jobs
| Title | Location | Salary | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Finance Manager/Finance Business Partner | Newbury | £51,536-£60,771 | Permanent |
| Senior Finance Business Partner | Newbury | £58,722 - £73,053 | Permanent |
| Service Lead – Finance & Strategic Assets | Newbury | £75,640 - £82,534 | Permanent |
| Service Lead – Procurement & Commissioning | Newbury | £75,640 - £82,534 | Permanent |
