Strategic Finance Business Partner

Hillingdon Council; Uxbridge; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in England is seeking a motivated Capital Accountant. This strategic role involves shaping the Council's financial strategy and overseeing capital finance activities. The ideal candidate will be a chartered accountant with extensive experience in Local Government finance and capital accounting. You will lead a dedicated team, ensuring the successful delivery of the Council's capital programme while navigating complex financial regulations. Join us to make a significant impact in public finance and promote effective housing solutions for residents.

Benefits

Flexible Working Hours

36 Hour Week

Generous Holiday Entitlement

Discounts at leisure centres

Salary Sacrifice Schemes

Cycle to Work scheme

Local Government Pension Scheme

Vivup Benefits

Mental Health Support

Travel Support

Qualifications

• Chartered accountant with substantial experience in Local Government finance.
• Responsible for capital finance, ensuring accurate financial treatment of expenditures.
• Experience navigating IAS 38 and treatment of intangible assets.

Responsibilities

• Support and develop the Council's ambitious capital programme.
• Collaborate with project managers and provide expert financial advice.
• Guide the Council's financial strategy and maximise housing resources.

Skills

Detail-oriented

Proactive

Public finance knowledge

Capital accounting experience

Managerial skills

Education

Chartered accountant qualification

Job description

About the role

Are you ready to shape the future of Hillingdon’s finances and make a real impact within local government? We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Capital Accountant to step into a pivotal Strategic Finance Business Partner role within our forward-thinking Finance department. This is your chance to play a lead role in a council that is committed to improvement and innovation, even in the face of sector-wide challenges.

Hillingdon Council is proud to be investing in its Finance Modernisation Programme, which is driving positive change across the organisation. As part of this transformation, you will be instrumental in supporting and developing our ambitious capital programme, guiding the Council’s financial strategy for years to come.

We are looking for a chartered accountant who is detail‑oriented, proactive, and passionate about public finance. The ideal candidate will have substantial experience in Local Government finance, and a strong background in capital accounting. In this technical lead position, you will be responsible for all aspects of capital finance for the borough.

You will be supported by a dedicated team of two Finance Business Partners and two Assistant Finance Business Partners. Together, you will collaborate with project managers, corporate directors, and senior finance colleagues, providing expert advice and guidance on the delivery and oversight of the Council’s approved capital programme. Ensuring accurate financial treatment of expenditure and income in line with the CIPFA Capital Finance guide will be central to your role.

Our capital programme is both ambitious and wide‑ranging, covering the General Fund and the Housing Revenue Account (HRA). You will navigate complex areas such as IAS 38 and the treatment of intangible assets, assess the viability of HRA acquisitions and developments, unlock grant funding opportunities, and maximise resources to deliver effective and efficient housing solutions for our residents, all whilst ensuring value for money.

We are looking for a dynamic, forward‑thinking leader with proven managerial experience. Your ability to inspire and develop your team will be crucial to driving performance and supporting professional growth within the finance function.

If you are ready to take the next step in your career and join a council on an exciting journey of improvement, we would love to hear from you.

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Andy Goodwin ([e-mail]).

About us

We value our employees and are committed to ensuring that they enjoy a fulfilling and rewarding career with us. We understand that a happy and motivated workforce is essential for the success of our organisation. That is why we offer a wide range of employee benefits to enhance your work‑life balance, financial wellbeing, health, and professional development.

Here’s a comprehensive overview of the fantastic benefits we provide:

• Flexible Working Hours – We recognise the importance of flexibility in managing your work and personal life.
• 36 Hour Week – Enjoy a standard 36‑hour workweek for all full time staff.
• Generous Holiday Entitlement – increasing with length of service (for non‑casual roles).
• Hillingdon Sports & Leisure – Stay active and healthy with discounts at council owned leisure centres and swimming pools across the borough.
• Salary Sacrifice Schemes – option to join schemes for cycle purchase, electric vehicle leasing and additional voluntary pension contributions (subject to scheme rules).
• Cycle to Work – Eco‑friendly commuting with our cycle purchase scheme. We also provide bicycle parking, lockers, and showers at the Civic Centre.
• Local Government Pension Scheme – access to Local Government Pension Scheme and membership to the Credit Union.
• Vivup Benefits – Access a variety of offers and discounts through our Vivup Benefits.
• Mental Health Support and Counselling Services – Our mental health first aiders are trained to identify, understand, and help employees experiencing mental health issues. Access free 24‑hour confidential advice and counselling as well as a legal advice service for you and your immediate family.
• Travel Support – Make your daily commute easier with our season ticket loans and free car parking.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Statement

At the London Borough of Hillingdon, we are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. This commitment means that all employees, job applicants and others who work for us will be treated fairly.

The aim is for our workforce to be representative of all sections of society and Hillingdon residents so we welcome applicants from a wide variety of backgrounds. We strive to ensure that our recruitment process is free from discrimination and bias, and we are dedicated to providing reasonable adjustments to applicants with disabilities.

Join us in building a workplace where everyone feels respected, able to give their best and be themselves at work, whilst contributing meaningfully to our organisation's success.

Recruitment Information

Hillingdon Council operates a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities that meet the essential criteria for the role and wish to be considered under this scheme. We believe in the option to choose, so candidates declaring a disability have the choice to opt in for consideration under this scheme, on a ‘per application’ basis.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable groups and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Some posts are subject to The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2019 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

In addition to verifying Right to Work in the UK and a new starter health questionnaire, the post is subject to the following pre‑employment screening:

• Qualifications Check
• 2 years of Referencing

Priority will be given to those at risk of redundancy within Hillingdon Council. Current employees who are part of the redeployment pool must meet the essential criteria for shortlisting to be prioritised.

It may be necessary due to a high volume of applications to close this role early. We therefore recommend you apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.