Head of Finance - Public Sector

Audit & Risk Recruitment; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A specialized recruitment firm is seeking a Head of Finance for a West London Council based in Uxbridge. This interim role offers £700 per day inside IR35 and requires a CCAB/CIMA qualified accountant with local government experience. The candidate will lead financial modelling, mentor finance talent, and implement a self-service budget management culture. Clear responsibilities and expectations are outlined, making it a key leadership position in finance.

Qualifications

• CCAB / CIMA qualified accountant with significant local government experience.
• Strong track record in closing directorate accounts and managing audit relationships.
• Ability to challenge senior management effectively.

Responsibilities

• Lead financial modelling for demand-led budgets.
• Coordinate Corporate Finance training programs.
• Move the culture toward self-service budget management.

Skills

Financial strategy

Budget management

Mentoring finance talent

Auditing

Education

CCAB / CIMA qualification

Job description

Audit and Risk Recruitment are partnering with a West London Council in the search for a Head of Finance - CS & Finance C01 based in Uxbridge, paying £700 per day inside IR35.

This is a high-level interim assignment (Inside IR35) focused on leading the Service Finance & Business Partnering Division.

We are looking for more than just a safe pair of hands; we need a financial strategist who can drive cultural change, manage demand-led budgets, and mentor the next generation of finance talent.

The Logistics

• Rate : £700.00 per day (Inside IR35).
• Location : Uxbridge (Hybrid – 2 / 3 days on-site required).
• Contract : Interim (Immediate Start).

Key Deliverables & Scope

1. Strategic Finance & MTFS : You will lead the financial modelling for demand-led budgets, using trend data to inform the Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS). You are the bridge between the Directorate’s ambitions and the Council’s financial reality.

2. Transformation & Savings : This role requires active involvement in business-led projects. You will ensure budgets are realigned to deliver savings targets and mitigate pressures, reporting on timing differences and shaping project outcomes financially.

3. Business Partnering Leadership : You will move the culture toward a "self-service" budget management approach. This involves providing high-level advice to Corporate Directors and Heads of Service, ensuring they understand their accountabilities under Financial Standing Orders.

4. Team Development :

A unique aspect of this role is the coordination of the Corporate Finance training programme (graduate & apprenticeship schemes). You will be responsible for upskilling the wider service.

Who fits this role? You are a CCAB / CIMA qualified accountant with significant local government experience. You have a track record of closing directorate accounts, managing external audit relationships, and, crucially, you have the gravitas to challenge Senior Management on savings delivery.