Assistant Head Of Finance

VennGroup; Hounslow; On-site; GBP 44,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual Reward Bonus

Job summary

VennGroup is seeking an Assistant Head of Finance for a UK local authority to provide senior operational leadership across a broad finance function. The role supports the Head of Finance and drives strategic financial decision-making with robust governance and performance management.

The position is fixed-term / interim, offering a salary of £55,000 FTE (£44,000 pro rata) plus an Annual Reward Bonus, reflecting senior responsibilities and experience in government accounting.

Qualifications

• CIPFA/CCAB/ACCA or equivalent professional qualification.
• Significant senior-level experience in accountancy, financial management, revenues, benefits, audit or related discipline.
• Strong knowledge of financial management, budget monitoring, forecasting, reporting, year-end close and statutory accounts.
• Experience with financial governance, audit requirements, financial regulations and standards.
• Understanding of financial controls, risk management and statutory compliance.
• Experience using financial data, KPIs to support strategic decisions.

Responsibilities

• Lead elements of the annual budget-setting process and Medium-Term Financial Plan.
• Provide financial advice, briefings and presentations to senior leaders and Members.
• Develop and maintain financial policies, procedures, controls and guidance.
• Oversee internal and external audit activity and ensure actions are delivered on time.
• Maintain robust controls around statutory compliance, financial risk, fraud prevention and governance.
• Monitor budgets, forecasts, reserves, capex and revenue expenditure, KPIs.
• Provide leadership across multidisciplinary finance teams, supporting performance and resilience.

Skills

Accountancy leadership

Financial management

Budget monitoring

Forecasting

Financial reporting

Governance & compliance

Education

Professional accountancy qualification (CIPFA/CCAB/ACCA or equivalent)

Tools

Finance systems

Job description

Assistant Head of Finance

Working Pattern: 4 days per week / 30 hours
Salary: £55,000 FTE (circa £44,000 pro rata) plus Annual Reward Bonus
Contract: Fixed-term / Interim opportunity

About the Role:

A UK based local authority is seeking an experienced Assistant Head of Finance to provide senior operational leadership across a broad finance function.

The successful candidate will support the Head of Finance in the effective management and continuous improvement of financial services

This is a senior role suited to an experienced local government finance professional who can provide strong technical oversight while also leading teams, managing performance and supporting strategic financial decision-making.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee significant elements of the annual budget-setting process, budget consultation and Medium-Term Financial Plan.
• Provide financial advice, briefings and presentations to senior leaders and elected Members.
• Develop and maintain financial policies, procedures, controls and guidance, ensuring compliance with legislation and professional standards.
• Oversee internal and external audit activity, ensuring agreed actions are delivered within required timescales.
• Maintain robust controls around statutory compliance, financial risk, fraud prevention, data protection and governance.
• Monitor and analyse key financial performance information, including budgets, forecasts, reserves, capital and revenue expenditure, collection rates, arrears and service KPIs.
• Provide leadership across multidisciplinary finance teams, supporting performance, development, workload management and service resilience.

You should have:

• A recognised professional accountancy qualification such as CIPFA, CCAB, ACCA or equivalent.
• Significant senior-level experience across accountancy, financial management, revenues, benefits, audit or a related discipline.
• Strong knowledge of financial management, budget monitoring, forecasting, financial reporting, year-end close and statutory accounts.
• Experience working with financial governance, audit requirements, financial regulations and relevant accounting standards.
• Strong understanding of financial controls, risk management and statutory compliance.
• Experience using financial data, KPIs and reporting to support strategic decision-making.

Experience of finance systems, digital transformation and automation would be advantageous.

Why Apply?

This is an opportunity to take on a senior finance leadership position within a local authority environment, providing both operational management and strategic support across a diverse finance service.

The role would suit an experienced Deputy Head of Finance, Assistant Director of Finance, Assistant Head of Finance, Principal Accountant or senior local government finance professional looking for a flexible four-day-a-week opportunity.