Head of Financial Strategy

Nottingham City Council LA; Nottingham; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Local Government Pension Scheme

Hybrid working

Flexible working arrangements

Ongoing learning and development

Inclusive culture

Up to 26 days annual leave

Employee wellbeing support

Job summary

Nottingham City Council invites applications for a senior Head of Financial Strategy to shape the organisation's financial direction. You will lead the development of the Council's medium- and long-term financial strategy, aligning resources to priorities, statutory duties and service delivery.

You will act as a trusted adviser to the Chief Executive and senior teams, driving strategic decisions, transformation, major investments and sustainable funding. Hybrid working is available.

Qualifications

• Significant experience providing financial advice at executive level in a large, complex public sector organisation.
• Proven track record leading development and delivery of a council-wide MTFP.
• Strong understanding of local government finance, governance and statutory requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of the Council's Medium-Term Financial Plan (MTFP), budget strategy and long-term financial sustainability plans.
• Provide strategic financial advice to the Chief Executive, Corporate Directors, Executive Members and senior leadership teams.
• Develop financial models and scenario analyses to understand impact of future service demands and legislative changes.
• Coordinate funding position across capital and revenue funds and explore alternative sources of funding.
• Support corporate priorities through effective financial planning and resource allocation.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Financial modelling

Public sector finance

Stakeholder management

Advisory skills

Education

CCAB qualification

Job description

The Head of Financial Strategy is a senior leadership role responsible for providing strategic financial leadership, advice and challenge across the organisation. Working closely with Corporate Directors, Strategic Directors, the Section 151 Officer, senior stakeholders and Finance Colleagues, the postholder will lead the development of the Council's medium and long-term financial strategy, ensuring that financial resources are aligned to corporate priorities, statutory obligations and sustainable service delivery.

The role will act as a trusted advisor to senior leadership, supporting strategic decision-making, organisational transformation, service redesign, major investment decisions and the achievement of the Council Plan.

The postholder will lead a high-performing strategic finance function that delivers robust financial planning, financial analysis and decision support across all directorates.

This is your opportunity to lead the development and delivery of the Council's Medium-Term Financial Plan (MTFP), budget strategy and long-term financial sustainability plans. You'll provide strategic financial advice to the Chief Executive, Corporate Directors, Executive Members and senior leadership teams, develop financial models and scenario analyses to understand the impact of future service demands, legislative changes, and other factors on the council's financial envelope.

Support the development and implementation of corporate priorities through effective financial planning and resource allocation.

Lead financial modelling and scenario analysis to support strategic decision-making and organisational resilience.

Ensure that financial strategies support the Council's transformation, improvement and modernisation programmes.

Working closely with the Head of Capital and Treasury to manage and coordinate the council's overall funding position across capital and revenue funds – and instigate, develop, and support the attainment of alternative sources of funding.

Working closely with the Strategic Business Partners to provide leadership and guidance on the medium-term financial implications of policy changes, helping the council navigate an increasingly complex public finance landscape. You'll be one of the strategic voices that helps senior leaders understand not just where we are financially, but where we need to go – and how we'll get there.

You'll be joining at a pivotal moment. The council has set a balanced budget for 2026/27 with a forecast surplus of £1.063m and a net budget requirement of £419.858m. We've delivered a £20.4m net underspend in 2025/26, did not require Exceptional Financial Support, and have reduced debt from £827m to £292m in six years. But significant pressures remain.

The reality of the role:

the medium-term picture is challenging. The council has identified £11.948m in new savings for 2026/27 but will need to identify at least £50m over the MTFP period. This is because Local Government Reorganisation will likely mean fewer savings can be delivered in the latter years due to organisational capacity.

This is a role for a leader who can see the big picture, connect the dots between policy and finance, and inspire others to deliver. You'll work across the organisation, building relationships and influencing at every level.

You'll bring: Significants experience of providing financial advice at executive level in a large, complex public sector organisation; a proven track record of leading the development and delivery of a council-wide MTFP; and strong understanding of local government finance, governance and statutory requirements. CCAB qualified with evidence of continuing professional development.

Disability Confident Employer – guaranteed interview scheme available

Armed Forces Covenant signatory

Shape the future of public finance. Lead here.

We Offer

• Local Government Pension Scheme – one of the most generous in the country.
• Hybrid working – flexibility to balance office and home.
• Flexible working arrangements.
• Ongoing learning and development.
• A supportive, inclusive culture.
• Up to 26 days annual leave, plus bank holidays increasing with time served.
• Employee wellbeing support.

Our Commitment to Inclusion

We are proud to be an inclusive employer where everyone is valued and respected. We want our workforce to reflect the communities we serve.

We particularly welcome applications from:

• Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities.
• LGBT+ communities.
• Disabled people.