We are looking for a highly motivated and experienced Head of Finance to join our Service Finance and Business Partnering Division, leading a team of skilled accountants and providing strategic financial leadership to the Housing Directorate.
In this pivotal role, you will shape the directorate’s financial strategy, supporting budget-setting, monitoring, and closure of accounts, while driving transformation and ensuring effective financial planning. You will provide expert advice to senior management, helping to identify efficiencies, mitigate financial risks, and enable informed, evidence-based decision-making.
As Head of Finance, you will lead on financial modelling for demand-led services, contribute to the Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS), and ensure compliance with the Council’s financial regulations. You will also play a key role in developing the Council’s Corporate Finance Training and Development Programme, helping to nurture the next generation of finance professionals and foster a culture of excellence.
Key responsibilities
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Lead and manage a Finance Team, providing strategic financial support to the Residents Services (Environment & Regulatory).
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Oversee the preparation and monitoring of budgets, ensuring strong financial control, efficiency, and value for money.
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Drive financial planning, forecasting, and modelling to inform long-term strategy and transformation initiatives.
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Provide high-quality financial advice to senior leaders, enabling robust decision-making and risk management.
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Ensure compliance with Financial Regulations, Standing Orders, and statutory accounting requirements.
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Support the delivery of the Council’s Medium-Term Financial Strategy and annual budget process.
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Lead the closure of directorate accounts and contribute to the external audit process.
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Develop effective working relationships across the Council and with external stakeholders, including auditors and government bodies.
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Promote a culture of accountability and self-service budget management across services.
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Support and coordinate the Corporate Finance training and apprenticeship programmes.
About you
You’ll be an inspirational leader and strategic thinker, with proven experience in senior financial management within a complex organisation - ideally in the public sector. You’ll combine strong technical accounting skills with the ability to influence, challenge, and guide decision-making at the highest levels.
You should also have:
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A CCAB or CIMA qualification (or equivalent) with post-qualification experience in a senior finance role.
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A track record of leading and developing high-performing finance teams.
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Strong analytical and financial modelling skills, with the ability to interpret complex data.
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Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
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Experience supporting transformation programmes and identifying opportunities for efficiencies.
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A collaborative approach and commitment to delivering high-quality financial services that support the Council’s “Residents First” vision.
Why join us?
At Hillingdon, we are committed to delivering a modern, forward-thinking finance service that underpins the effective delivery of services to our residents. As part of our Corporate Finance leadership team, you’ll play a key role in shaping financial strategy and driving service improvement, while developing your professional expertise in a supportive and collaborative environment.
We offer an inclusive and flexible workplace, continuous professional development, and the opportunity to make a lasting impact on the borough’s future.
Ready to lead, influence, and deliver meaningful change?
Apply today and help shape the financial future of Hillingdon.