Head of Strategic Finance (Grade 5)

TN United Kingdom; Scotland; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Head of Strategic Finance to oversee financial health and strategic accounting for a local council. This role involves leading key financial processes, ensuring compliance, and managing the Council's investment strategies. The successful candidate will have a proven track record in local government finance and will be adept at data-driven decision-making. This is an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact in a role that covers a 3-month long-term absence, offering immediate start and a chance to shape financial strategies in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Fully qualified Accountant with significant post-qualification experience.
• Evidence of ongoing professional development in finance.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality financial and strategic accounting advice.
• Oversee financial health and develop financial strategies.
• Manage the Council’s Tax Setting and Collection Fund.

Skills

Leadership

Financial Analysis

Strategic Planning

Data Trend Analysis

Local Government Finance Knowledge

Stakeholder Management

Policy Development

System and Process Improvement

Education

Fully Qualified Accountant (CCAB or equivalent)

Job description

Social network you want to login/join with:

Head of Strategic Finance (Grade 5), Somerset

Client:

Location: Somerset, United Kingdom

Job Category: Finance

EU work permit required: Yes

Job Reference:

19c676963c2f

Job Views:

9

Posted:

26.04.2025

Expiry Date:

10.06.2025

Job Description:

Job Category: Financial – Senior Posts

Location: County Hall, Somerset Council

Start Date: Immediate Start

Start Time: 09:00

End Time: 17:30

The Head of Strategic Finance is responsible for providing high-quality financial and strategic accounting advice to major services within the Council. They oversee the financial health of Somerset Council, working closely with the Service Director Finance & Procurement to develop financial strategies, assess investments, and ensure legal and regulatory compliance.

Leads and coordinates the Council’s key financial processes, including Budget Setting and Budget Monitoring for revenue and capital funding and expenditure. Manages the Council’s Tax Setting and Collection Fund.

Performs strategic and tactical financial analysis, modeling, and evaluation to support data-driven decision making. Ensures the Council meets its savings targets and financial objectives.

Responsible for Somerset Pension Fund and the Council’s Treasury Management activities, including investments and debt management. The investment strategy aims to ensure fund solvency, long-term cost efficiency, and risk management.

Oversees the Council’s capital program, including investment portfolios and investment companies. Collaborates with the capital team to improve budget setting and monitor the program, making impactful recommendations.

Develops and implements strategies within their area of responsibility, anticipating complex issues and aligning with wider organizational strategies.

This position is to cover a 3-month long-term absence.

Qualifications/Knowledge/Experience/Skills

Qualifications

• Fully qualified Accountant (CCAB or equivalent) with significant post-qualification experience in complex organizations. Essential
• Evidence of ongoing professional development. Essential

Skills

• Expertise to act as the Council’s ambassador for planning and decision-making based on recommendations and requirements.
• Ability to lead planning, organizing, prioritizing, and overseeing activities to meet objectives.
• Leads data trend analysis for reports guiding decision-making.
• Develops, monitors, and interprets policies aligning with council strategies.
• Knowledge of laws, regulations, and policies relevant to local government finance.
• Extensive knowledge of local government finance, including funding and pensions.
• Proven track record of system and process improvements.
• Experience in governance and stakeholder influence.

Experience

• Leadership experience in managing systems, processes, and challenges.
• Strategic management across functions with resource oversight over long periods.