3 months contract with a Local Authority
Job Summary:
The Head of Finance will lead and manage a finance team within the Service Finance and Business Partnering Division providing strategic financial leadership advice and direction across a major council directorate.
The role is responsible for delivering high-quality financial management including budget setting budget monitoring forecasting year-end closure and long-term financial planning aligned to the Councils Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS).
The postholder will act as a senior business partner supporting service transformation shaping strategic decision-making and ensuring compliance with Financial Regulations.
They will also drive financial improvement initiatives lead demand-led financial modelling and ensure robust financial governance across all directorate services.
Key Duties/Accountabilities (Sample):
Lead manage and develop a professional finance team within the Service Finance & Business Partnering function.
Provide strategic financial advice to directors Heads of Service and senior stakeholders ensuring budgets forecasts and financial plans are robust and aligned to the MTFS.
Lead directorate budget setting identification of savings and financial strategies to address cost pressures.
Manage in-year budget monitoring forecasting variance analysis and regular reporting.
Oversee the closure of directorate accounts and contribute to the statutory accounts and external audit process.
Support service transformation and business-led change projects with high-quality timely financial information.
Lead financial modelling of demand-led services and use trend analysis to inform strategic decisions.
Ensure compliance with Financial Regulations Financial Standing Orders and corporate finance policies.
Promote a self-service approach to financial management while providing specialist support through the business partnering model.
Deliver financial training to managers budget holders and senior leadership to improve financial capability.
Build effective internal and external relationships with senior officers elected Members partner agencies and professional bodies (e.g. CIPFA).
Contribute to Council-wide corporate initiatives cross-departmental projects organisational development and business continuity planning.
Drive continual improvement process optimisation and changes required under the Finance Modernisation Programme.
Lead internal service reviews to improve value for money and support efficiency programmes.
Represent the Finance Directorate professionally and support the Corporate Director of Finance in delivering the Councils strategic financial objectives.
Skills/Experience:
Significant post-qualification experience in local government finance.
Proven experience of preparing annual budgets monitoring reports and final accounts for a local authority.
Strong senior-level management experience with direct leadership of professional and managerial staff.
Demonstrated ability to lead and deliver strategies policies and programmes across service areas.
Strong communication influencing and negotiation skills with the ability to present complex financial information clearly.
Experience in leading and managing change across large multidisciplinary organisations.
Proven involvement in service improvement and major transformation programmes.
Evidence of continued professional development.
Additional Information:
Fully qualified accountant (CIPFA ACCA CIMA).
Hours: 36 hours per week.
Working Pattern: 09:00 17:00.
Significant post-qualification experience in local government finance. Proven experience of preparing annual budgets monitoring reports and final accounts for a local authority. Strong senior-level management experience with direct leadership of professional and managerial staff. Demonstrated ability to lead and deliver strategies policies and programmes across service areas. Strong communication influencing and negotiation skills with the ability to present complex financial information clearly. Experience in leading and managing change across large multidisciplinary organisations. Proven involvement in service improvement and major transformation programmes. Evidence of continued professional development.
Fully qualified accountant (CIPFA ACCA CIMA).
Job Location:
Daily Salary:
Experience Required:
Posted on:
2 hours ago
Vacancies:
1 Vacancy
