As a Head of Finance within the Service Finance and Business Partnering Division, you will manage a team of accountants and play a pivotal role in guiding the Adult Social Care Directorate through all aspects of strategic financial management.
You will provide comprehensive financial advice and direction, support budget-setting and monitoring, and ensure the effective closure of directorate accounts. You will also drive financial planning, help identify savings and strategies to mitigate pressures, and support transformation projects by delivering timely, robust financial information to enable informed decision-making.
This role also involves ensuring compliance with the Council’s financial policies, supporting senior management in budget management, and helping to shape the Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS). You will lead financial modelling for demand-led services, promote a culture of self-service budget management, and contribute to statutory accounting and external audit processes. Building strong working relationships both within the Finance Directorate and with external stakeholders, you will also help shape the Corporate Finance Training and Development Programme, fostering growth and excellence across the service.
Key Responsibilities
Financial Leadership and Strategic Support
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Lead and manage a Finance Team within the Service Finance and Business Partnering Division, providing strategic financial direction, support, and guidance.
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Support directorates with budget-setting, monitoring, reporting, and closing of accounts, identifying savings and strategies to mitigate pressures.
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Provide high-quality financial advice and robust financial planning to ensure service needs are reflected in the Council’s MTFS.
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Support senior management and budget holders to meet their accountabilities for budget management and ensure compliance with Financial Standing Orders and financial policies.
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Lead financial modelling for demand-led budgets and use service data to inform long-term financial planning and MTFS decision-making.
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Support the Corporate Director of Finance and Corporate Finance Team in delivering the Council’s overall strategic financial objectives.
Transformation and Business Partnering
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Provide financial leadership for transformation and business-led projects, ensuring robust and timely financial information underpins decision-making.
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Drive budget realignment to deliver savings targets and report on timing differences in delivery.
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Support business case development and ensure budgets and forecasts reflect operational and transformation priorities.
Financial Management and Compliance
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Ensure adherence to all Council financial regulations, standing orders, and statutory accounting requirements.
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Contribute to the external audit process and ensure legislative changes with financial implications are implemented effectively.
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Maintain effective working relationships within the Finance Directorate to support production of strategic financial information, financial plans, and corporate reporting.
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Oversee financial controls and compliance, promoting efficiency, value for money, and continuous improvement.
Stakeholder Engagement and Partnership
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Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including senior leaders, government bodies, and professional organisations.
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Provide constructive financial challenge and support to services to improve decision-making and financial sustainability.
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Coordinate the Corporate Finance training and development programme, including graduate and non-graduate apprenticeship schemes.
About You
You’ll bring significant experience in strategic financial management and business partnering within a complex organisation, ideally in the public sector. You’ll be confident in leading teams, managing competing priorities, and providing clear, evidence-based financial advice to senior stakeholders.
Your ability to model and interpret complex financial information, drive transformation, and maintain strong compliance standards will be key to your success.
Why Join Us
This is a high-impact leadership role where you’ll help shape the Council’s financial strategy and play a central role in ensuring sustainable services for residents. You’ll be part of a collaborative, forward-thinking finance team that values professionalism, innovation, and continuous improvement.