Job Description

My Local Government client is looking to recruit an experienced and dynamic Interim Head of Finance to provide strategic financial leadership and support across the Place Directorate within a forward-thinking local authority.

The Place Directorate typically encompasses services such as Housing, Regeneration, Planning, Economic Development, Highways, Transport, Environment, Waste, Property, and Capital Programmes. This is a critical leadership role responsible for ensuring robust financial management, supporting transformation initiatives, and driving value for money across a diverse and complex portfolio.

Working closely with the Senior Management team you will provide high-quality financial advice to support informed decision-making and sustainable service delivery.

Key Responsibilities

Lead the finance business partnering function for the Place Directorate.

Provide strategic financial advice and challenge to senior officers and service leaders.

Oversee revenue and capital budget setting, monitoring, forecasting, and reporting.

Support the delivery of a balanced budget and medium-term financial strategy.

Ensure robust financial governance, controls, and compliance with local government regulations.

Lead on financial aspects of major capital projects, regeneration programmes, and commercial initiatives.

Manage and develop a team of finance professionals, ensuring high performance and continuous improvement.

Support year-end accounts processes and liaise with external auditors where required.

Contribute to corporate finance priorities and wider organisational objectives.

Ideally you will be a qualified finance professional with a proven track record of operating at a senior level within local government.

CCAB/CIMA qualified accountant.

Significant senior finance leadership experience within a local authority setting.

Strong understanding of local government finance, including revenue and capital funding frameworks.

Experience supporting Place services such as regeneration, housing, property, environment, highways, transport, or planning.

Demonstrable experience of budget management in large and complex organisations.

Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence and challenge senior leaders.

Experience leading organisational change, transformation, and financial improvement programmes.

Excellent communication and presentation skills. The role will be for a period of 6 months and you will need to be in the office 2 days a week. The role is being offered Inside IR35 with a day rate of circa £550-£650 a day