Head of Finance

Brackenberry Limited; City of Westminster; On-site; GBP 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

A local authority specialist based in Westminster is seeking a Head of Finance for a 3-month contract with potential for extension. The ideal candidate will lead a finance team, create financial strategies, and ensure budget compliance within local government frameworks. This role demands significant experience in budget management and financial leadership within a similar public sector environment, along with strategic oversight to achieve financial sustainability. Competitive compensation is available for the right candidate.

Qualifications

• Fully qualified accountant with substantial post-qualification experience in relevant areas.
• Evidence of ongoing professional development.
• Proven experience in local authority financial services.

Responsibilities

• Support the development of financial strategies aligning with the MTFS.
• Create complex financial models for strategic decision-making.
• Oversee budget-setting, monitoring, and forecasting.

Skills

Budget management

Strong communication

Financial modelling

Team leadership

Organizational change

Education

Qualified accountant (CIPFA, ACCA, CIMA)

Degree level education

Job description

We are working closely alongside a Local Authority in Hillingdon to assist with the appointment of a Head of Finance, on a 3‑month contract, highly likely to be extended at clients discretion. Please apply with your CV for immediate consideration.

The Head of Finance leads a strategic Finance Team within the Service Finance and Business Partnering Division, providing high‑quality financial leadership, planning, monitoring, and advice to a major directorate (Homes & Communities, Adults & Health, Children & Young People, Place, Finance, or Corporate Services). The role oversees budget setting, forecasting, financial modelling, statutory accounting, and strategic financial planning to ensure services remain financially sustainable and aligned with the Councils Medium‑Term Financial Strategy (MTFS). The postholder acts as a key finance business partner, enabling directors, heads of service, and budget managers to meet financial responsibilities, deliver savings, manage demand‑led budgets, and support transformation programmes. The role also contributes to Council‑wide corporate objectives, supports the development of financial policy and strategy, and ensures compliance with all statutory and regulatory frameworks. As a senior leader, the Head of Finance champions continuous improvement, builds high‑performing teams, and contributes to organisational development and transformation.

Responsibilities

• Support the development and delivery of the Councils financial strategy and MTFS.
• Lead on creating complex financial models to inform strategic decision‑making.
• Oversee robust budget‑setting, monitoring, and forecasting processes.
• Ensure emerging financial pressures are identified and addressed across services.
• Lead and inspire a high‑performing finance team with a strong customer focus.
• Manage, develop, and motivate staff, ensuring effective performance management.

Qualifications

• Fully qualified accountant (CIPFA, ACCA, CIMA).
• Educated to degree level or equivalent.
• Significant post‑qualification experience in relevant financial service areas.

Requirements

• Significant experience in preparing annual budgets, monitoring reports, and final accounts in a local authority.
• Evidence of ongoing professional development.
• Proven senior management experience leading professional finance teams.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to simplify complex financial information.
• Evidence of delivering cross‑service strategies and programmes.
• Experience leading and managing organisational change and financial transformation.
• Successful track record in developing staff and managing performance.
• Strategic budget management in a comparable public sector environment.
• Experience working effectively in a political environment, providing balanced expert advice.
• Clear understanding of the legal, financial, and political context of Local Government.