Head of Finance - Homes & Communities

Carrington West; London; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company is seeking a dynamic Head of Finance to lead a strategic finance function within a local authority. This pivotal role involves managing high-value budgets, providing expert financial guidance, and supporting transformation initiatives across housing and community services. The ideal candidate will be a qualified accountant with senior leadership experience and a strong understanding of local authority finance.

Qualifications

• At least 3 years post-qualification experience.
• Senior leadership experience in local authority finance.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Homes & Communities Finance teams.
• Provide strategic financial advice to corporate directors.
• Ensure accurate and timely financial reporting.

Skills

Leadership

Financial Modelling

Communication

Performance Management

Education

Qualified Accountant (CIPFA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)

Job description

We are seeking a dynamic and commercially minded Head of Finance - Homes and Communities to lead and manage a strategic finance function within a local authority setting. This critical leadership role will support transformation and business-led change within the Homes and Communities directorate, overseeing high-value budgets and ensuring that financial planning is tightly aligned with service objectives.

You'll be responsible for developing robust financial forecasts, providing expert financial guidance to senior leaders, and managing a team of finance professionals who deliver business partnering and strategic advice across a wide portfolio. This is a pivotal role in driving forward the Council's financial strategy and ensuring services are resilient, efficient, and responsive to future needs.

Key Responsibilities

1. Lead and manage the Homes & Communities Finance teams, ensuring high-quality financial direction and business partnering is delivered across a range of complex service areas.
2. Provide strategic financial advice to corporate directors and senior stakeholders to enable effective budget management and service planning.
3. Work in partnership with service leaders to support transformation initiatives and ensure financial inputs shape outcomes, particularly within housing, social care, and community-based services.
4. Develop and maintain robust financial models for demand-led budgets and support the Council's medium-term financial forecast (MTFF).
5. Ensure accurate and timely financial reporting to support strategic decision-making, including alignment with Financial Standing Orders and internal governance.
6. Drive realignment of budgets to support the delivery of savings targets and report on timing differences for delivery.
7. Oversee compliance with statutory accounting processes and external audit requirements.
8. Promote a self-service culture through the business partnering model, while delivering strategic financial support to budget holders.
9. Foster a culture of continuous improvement within the finance team and across directorates.
10. Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders and external partners, including central government, auditors, and professional bodies.

About You

• A qualified accountant (CIPFA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) with at least 3 years post-qualification experience.
• Senior leadership experience in local authority finance or a similarly complex organisation.
• Proven track record of supporting transformation programmes and managing high-value, complex budgets.
• Strong understanding of housing and community-based financial services and related regulatory frameworks.
• Skilled in financial modelling and performance management for demand-led services.
• Experienced in developing medium to long-term financial strategies and risk management.
• Excellent communicator with the ability to influence and support senior leadership and elected members.
• Committed to value for money, continuous improvement, and financial transparency.
• Demonstrated ability to build, lead and motivate high-performing teams.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, outcomes-driven environment.

How to Apply

If you are interested in this role and meet the criteria above, please send us your application today. For questions about the vacancy, please click APPLY NOW.

If you do not hear from us within 48 hours of applying, your application has been unsuccessful.

Footnote

If you feel that this job matches your skills but not the rate, location, or seniority, please feel free to send us your CV anyway. We constantly recruit for similar roles across all levels, UK-wide, and would be pleased to speak with you confidentially about your employment status.

Even if you're currently satisfied in your role, we welcome calls from housing and finance professionals looking to make future connections. Our specialist team at Carrington West has over 100 years of combined experience in this market. For more information, call Zubair at Carrington West on 02393 876065.

By applying for this position, you agree for Carrington West to hold and process your personal data in accordance with our Data Protection Policy. Your data will only be shared with third-party clients for roles relevant to your application. You may withdraw consent at any time by contacting us.