Senior Financial Planning Manager

Civic Recruitment Limited; Chichester; On-site; GBP 138,000 - 161,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Local office in Chichester

Job summary

Civic Recruitment Limited in Chichester is seeking a CCAB-qualified accountant to lead the Council’s financial planning on a 5-6 month contract. You will develop, implement and monitor the MTFS, oversee annual budget processes and provide expert financial guidance to senior leaders and elected Members.

The role demands strong financial governance within a local authority context, with hybrid working and a focus on sustainability and strategic financial advice.

Qualifications

• CCAB-qualified accountant with current professional membership.
• Experience in financial planning and budgeting within the public sector.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Council's Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) development, implementation and monitoring.
• Conduct financial modelling, scenario planning and long-term forecasting for strategic decisions.
• Oversee annual revenue and capital budget-setting processes with directors and budget managers.
• Provide strategic financial advice to senior officers, budget holders and elected Members.
• Ensure robust financial governance and alignment with statutory obligations.
• Support and challenge senior leadership to secure sustainable financial outcomes.

Education

CCAB-qualified accountant (CIPFA, ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent)

Job description

Chichester, United Kingdom | Posted on 21/08/2026

Job Description

5-6 months contract with a local authority

Summary

• This role involves leading and executing the strategic financial planning function for a local authority on a 5-6 month contract, with a daily rate of £600-700 via Umbrella. The primary focus is on the development, implementation, and monitoring of the Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS), annual budget processes, and long-term financial sustainability plans. The successful candidate will provide expert financial guidance, challenge, and support to senior leaders, budget holders, and elected Members, ensuring informed decision-making and robust financial governance in a complex local government setting.

Responsibilities

• Spearhead the creation, maintenance, and execution of the Council's Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS), ensuring it aligns with corporate priorities and statutory obligations.
• Conduct comprehensive financial modeling, scenario planning, funding analysis, and long-term financial forecasting to aid strategic decisions.
• Evaluate and oversee the Council's financial sustainability, identifying potential risks, opportunities, and funding challenges.
• Coordinate and manage the annual revenue and capital budget-setting process in collaboration with Directors, Heads of Service, and budget managers.
• Ensure budget proposals are sound, financially viable, and aligned with strategic goals.
• Provide continuous oversight of financial forecasts and budget performance throughout the fiscal year.
• Extensive experience in financial planning, budgeting, and management within a local authority or similar public sector entity.
• Proven track record in developing, implementing, and monitoring Medium-Term Financial Strategies (MTFS).
• Demonstrated experience in leading annual revenue and capital budget-setting processes.
• Strong background in offering strategic financial advice and challenges to senior officers, budget holders, and elected Members.

Essential Qualifications

• CCAB-qualified accountant (CIPFA, ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent) with current professional membership.

Additional Information

• Working hours: 37 hours per week
• Location: County Hall, Chichester
• Working arrangements: Hybrid, with an estimated two days in the office per week