Head of Finance - Retainer part 1

Baltimore Consulting; Oldbury; On-site; GBP 72,000 - 83,000; Full time

Job summary

A public sector organization in Oldbury seeks a Head of Finance to lead the finance function. You will develop and implement financial strategies, providing expert advice to senior management. We're looking for a qualified leader with strong financial acumen, experience in children's services finance, and proven team leadership skills. This role comes with substantial benefits, including a competitive salary and flexible working arrangements.

Benefits

Relocation package up to £6500

Defined benefits pension scheme

Annual leave of up to 31 days

Paid birthday off

Employee benefits scheme

Service awards

Qualifications

• Experience in financial planning, forecasting and reporting.
• Knowledge of children's services or social care finance.
• Engaging with senior stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead finance function with strategic financial planning.
• Develop and deliver financial strategies.
• Provide expert financial advice to senior leaders.
• Oversee financial operations including budgeting and compliance.
• Ensure strong financial governance.

Skills

Strong financial acumen

Ability to translate complex information

Commercial awareness

Governance-focused experience

Proven leadership skills

Education

Qualified (CIPFA, ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)

Job description

Head of Finance

Salary: £72,145 - £82,163 per annum
Location: Oldbury, West Midlands
Contract Type: Full-time, 37 hours per week
Organisation: Sandwell Children's Trust

Sandwell Children's Trust is on a transformational journey to improve outcomes for children and families - and we're looking for a strategic, solutions-focused finance professional to join their team as Head of Finance.

Sandwell are seeking a strategic thinker who can develop and implement financial strategies that are in line with the Trust's ambition for excellence and underpin their approach to transformation. Someone who can lead the finance function through planning, managing and delivering and can provide financial advice and guidance to the Trust's Senior Management Team on strategic decisions and business initiatives.

Sandwell's ambition is to build a high performing finance team that is output focused, providing high quality financial support and advice. You'll provide expert financial leadership, ensuring resources are used effectively to deliver high-quality outcomes for children and families underpinned by the recognition of the financial constraints faced by the public sector. Whilst ensuring compliance with financial regulations, statutory requirements and internal policies there is a clear requirement to identify opportunities to reduce cost and improve financial efficiency.

About the Role:

As Head of Finance, you will lead our finance function with overall responsibility for strategic financial planning, budget management, financial reporting and insight. This is a senior leadership role, reporting to the Director of Resources and Governance and working closely with the Executive Management Team and Trust Board.

Your leadership will shape the financial future of the Trust - ensuring that we meet our financial obligations while maximising value, improving efficiency and supporting vital children's services.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and deliver the Trust's short, medium and long-term financial strategies.
• Provide expert financial advice to senior leaders, enabling sound strategic decisions.
• Oversee all financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, reporting, and compliance.
• Lead and develop the finance team to provide a high-performing and innovative service.
• Ensure strong financial governance and identify opportunities to improve cost-effectiveness.
• Support stakeholders on legislative, policy and budgetary matters.

About You:

We're looking for a qualified (CIPFA, ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) and dynamic leader who brings:

• Strong financial acumen and experience in financial planning, forecasting and reporting.
• The ability to translate complex financial information into clear, actionable advice.
• Commercial awareness and a strategic mindset.
• Knowledge of children's services or social care finance, including grants and compliance frameworks.
• Experience working in a governance-focused environment and engaging with senior stakeholders.
• Proven team leadership and development skills.

Why Join Us?

At Sandwell Children's Trust, we're driven by a single goal: to make a lasting difference to children's lives. In this role, you'll help ensure that every pound we spend supports that mission. We offer a collaborative environment, flexible working arrangements, and the opportunity to influence change at the highest level.

Additional Benefits:

• Relocation package up to £6500
• Defined benefits pension scheme with employer contributions of up to 20.5%
• Annual leave of up to 31 days plus 8 Bank Holidays, plus a concessionary day at Christmas, plus up to 5 additional days for long service recognition and the opportunity to buy up to 10 additional days holiday
• Paid birthday off - in addition to the annual leave entitlement
• Employee benefits scheme including lease cars, bike scheme, salary sacrifice for new technology and high street discounts
• Service awards from 2, 5, 10 and every 5 years onward

Why Sandwell Children's Trust?

By joining our team, you will be making a real difference in the lives of children and families. We are dedicated to driving meaningful change and ensuring the best outcomes for those we serve.

Deadline for applications is Sunday 10th August 2025, or a confidential discussion about this role, please contact our recruitment partners at Baltimore Consulting.

Together, let's create a brighter, safer future for Sandwell's children.

(We offer a senior referral scheme upon successful placement of your recommendation so please do get in contact)

Sandwell Children's Trust are passionate about creating and evolving a diverse workforce and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant. Recruiting decisions are based on your experience and skills. Any reasonable adjustments in the workplace will be fully supported during the application and hiring process