Job Description

Role: Head of Finance - Central Services

Location: London

Working Pattern: Hybrid 1-2 days p/w or 3 days every fortnight

Rate: Negotiable P/D umbrella

Contract Length: 3 months

I am currently working with a local authority client of mine in London who are looking for an interim Head of Finance - Central Services to come assist their team.

As Head of Finance - Central Services & Finance. This key leadership role involves shaping financial strategy, driving efficiency, and delivering value for money across vital service areas, including Adult Services and Health. You will provide expert financial guidance, lead transformation initiatives, and develop innovative solutions to support the organisation's medium-term financial planning.

Responsibilities:

Lead Financial Strategy: Shape and deliver the organisation's financial strategy, ensuring robust modelling, compliance, and value-driven budget management.

Business Partnering: Provide high-quality financial advice to senior stakeholders, empowering budget holders to achieve financial and service objectives.

Team Leadership: Manage and mentor a high-performing finance team (up to 20 staff), fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and excellence

Budget Oversight: Take advisory responsibility for council budgets of £121m and direct responsibility for managing a £0.6m budget.

Transformation Support: Drive financial aspects of corporate transformation initiatives, ensuring robust cost modelling and alignment with strategic objectives.

Compliance & Reporting: Ensure adherence to financial regulations, oversee statutory accounts, and manage external audit processes effectively

Stakeholder Engagement: Build partnerships with internal and external stakeholders, including government bodies, local authorities, and professional organisations.

What We're Looking For

Person Specification:

Fully qualified accountant (CIPFA, ACCA, or CIMA) with at least three years of post-qualification experience in relevant service areas.

Demonstrable expertise in local government finance, including preparation of annual budgets, final accounts, and medium-term financial planning.

Significant leadership experience, including managing large, multidisciplinary teams and driving organisational change.

Proven ability to balance strategic decision-making with detailed financial management and compliance responsibilities.g2 Recruitment are committed to equality of opportunity for all applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships or any other characteristic protected by law