Invest in your future, while shaping others

Stoke-on-Trent City Council is proud to serve a city with deep roots and an ambitious vision for the future. As a unitary authority, finance professionals are offered the chance to play a key role at the heart of local decision-making.

This is more than a numbers game - it’s about enabling smarter investment, driving innovation, and helping shape the city’s future. The sector comes with its challenges, but at Stoke-on-Trent, challenge comes with genuine opportunity. The council is investing in their people and building a finance team that reflects their values. In return, we offer competitive pay, generous leave, flexible working arrangements, and tailored development to support every stage of your finance career. Whether you're stepping into your first local government role or looking to take your next step in a larger, more impactful environment - now is the perfect time to join us.

Hear from our senior leaders

"There’s something really powerful about seeing the results of your work – and at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, you get that. The projects we’re involved in aren’t abstract – they’re buildings you walk past, services that touch residents’ lives, and decisions that shape the city. We support over 700 services, from social care to back-office functions, commercial ventures to major capital builds. We’re involved in traded services, wholly owned companies, commercial deals, housing delivery and regeneration projects because of the national focus. Our finance team isn’t just about budgets – it’s about making real things happen."

"Working for Stoke-on Trent City Council is more than just a job, it's about making, protecting and improving the services for the local population, reducing inequalities and improving independence for the people who live and work in the city. And that’s where you come in. We are always looking for people of the highest calibre with skills, knowledge and experience to help us deliver our compelling vision - and in return we offer a range of benefits from a generous Pension scheme and Flexible working through to Staff discounts and apprenticeships. If you’re ambitious and forward-thinking, Stoke-on-Trent City Council could be the perfect place for you."

Career progression within the finance team

Tim Baker Senior Business Partner

"I have progressed from Accountant to Senior Business Partner. For any self-driven individual looking for a progressive career, Stoke-on-Trent City Council provides plenty of opportunities, giving individuals the freedom to forge the financial career they desire. The demands from the Directorate are ever-changing, which keeps the job interesting and varied, whilst success is equally rewarding, whether it be working on transformation projects or celebrating the achievements of team members in their professional qualifications. The people at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, both within the finance team as well as across the directorates, are some of the best I’ve worked with throughout my career. All are friendly, approachable and willing to offer support and guidance across all aspects of work, providing reassurance with their knowledge and experience. The work-life balance is really good, hybrid working reduces the amount of travelling required throughout the week and there is genuine care and consideration for employee wellbeing."

Claire Hazeldene Accountant

"I have worked within Finance in Local Government for 22 years and started working for Stoke-on-Trent City Council in July 2021 as an Accountant. I was drawn to Stoke by their ambitious transformation programme and enthusiasm to regenerate the City and relished the opportunity to be part of this and achieve better outcomes for the residents and businesses of my hometown. I currently support the financial monitoring of the Children’s Social Care service, which is both interesting and challenging in terms of the scope of work and demand pressures within the service area. The flexible working programme and mix of office and home-based working also provides an ideal work-life balance and there are a significant number of opportunities for learning, personal development and progression within the team. My colleagues both within Finance and the wider service areas are really supportive, approachable and a pleasure to work with."

Lisa Dale Head of Finance (Children's)

"I first gained employment for Stoke-on-Trent City Council in 2005 as a Clerical Assistant in the Children and Families directorate. Since then, I have received a great amount of support alongside learning and development opportunities which enabled me to become a fully qualified accountant and progress to a Head of Service level. The City Council encouraged my professional development to complete the AAT qualification and advancement to the CIPFA qualification, investing in my future at every stage. Colleagues at all levels are approachable, knowledgeable, and invested in helping each other succeed. Working in local government has given me the opportunity to contribute to services which directly impact our community. The work is varied, challenging and rewarding and I can genuinely say that the working environment nurtures talent. Hard work and a great attitude are recognised and rewarded and quite simply, I have always felt valued here."

Employee benefits

Annual leave

28 days annual leave, which increases to 33 days after 5 years’ service, plus bank holidays and the opportunity to buy more.

Pay & Pension

Competitive rates of pay and an excellent local authority pension scheme.

Smarter working

Hybrid-working with flexible arrangements available.

Family orientated

Fantastic maternity/paternity/adoption leave. Also, we are a Fostering Friendly organisation.

Investing in workforce

Encouragement of learning and development opportunities for staff to meet both services needs and personal growth.

Learning & Development

Access to free classroom, remote and e-learning courses, apprenticeships and professional qualifications.

Health & Wellbeing

Free counselling/support services, discounted gym membership and an option to join the cycle to work scheme.

Diversity & Inclusion

A culture where staff are valued, supported and is truly inclusive.

A fantastic location in a well-connected city

Stoke-on-Trent's central location make it an ideal base - offering the perfect blend of career opportunity, convenience and quality of life.

Located in the heart of the UK, the city is known for its rich industrial heritage, creative spirit, and close-knit community. The area is surrounded by cafés, shops, green spaces, and cultural landmarks - giving you plenty to explore right on your doorstep.

The council's offices are a short five-minute walk from Stoke-on-Trent’s main train station, offering direct and easy links to nearby Staffordshire towns as well as major cities including Manchester, Birmingham, and even London. Whether you’re commuting or relocating, getting here - and getting around - is refreshingly simple.

With great transport links, a vibrant local culture, and an affordable cost of living, Stoke-on-Trent offers a brilliant base to grow your career while enjoying life beyond the office.

Stoke-on-Trent City Council values

Empowerment

We will use our powers and resources, combined with the expertise of our dedicated workforce, to benefit the communities which we serve, enabling residents to shape more decisions about their lives and local environments.

Openness

We will be clear about the challenges that the Council is facing, how we are going to address them and whether we are making progress. We will always be open to new and better ideas.

Empathy

We care about the lives of our residents. We will provide help and support without judgement and will actively seek the views of our citizens to improve the services we deliver.

Partnership

We will be dedicated and supportive partners to all those who want to make our city a better place, forging strong relationships which span sectors and geographies.

Stewardship

We will take ownership of our commitments and responsibilities, be honest about where we can do better and demonstrate the utmost responsibility for the efficient use of public resources and assets.

Representation

We will champion our city and our citizens at every opportunity, talking up its many strengths and nurturing civic pride. We will promote our city’s culture, heritage and future potential to wider audiences without downplaying the significance of local challenges.

Looking for your next career move?

Are you looking for your next challenge? Send us your CV to be considered for one of the fantastic vacancies available at Stoke-on-Trent City Council.

Send us your CV