Head of Finance

Head of Finance
Location: London
Contract: Temporary (5 months initial)
Rate: £850-900 per day umbrella
Start Date: ASAP
*Hybrid Working*
Contact: greg.waite@servicecare.org.uk

Job Description
Service Care Solutions are currently recruiting on behalf of a Local Authority in London for a Head of Financial Strategy to join the team on a temporary basis. The postholder will lead and manage the development of the Council's financial strategy, capital strategy, medium term financial plan and the budget setting process (revenue and capital). They will also lead and manage the outsourced pensions & treasury functions.

Line management responsibility for up to 9 FTE.

Main Responsibilities

• Lead the Council's financial planning function to deliver a comprehensive, high quality, cost effective and timely service.
• Support the council's leadership at all levels and develop a strategic and workable response to the financial challenges the council faces.
• Prepare reports for officers and Members on all financial planning and budgeting issues up to and including the annual report setting the Council Tax. Ensure that all relevant issues are reflected in financial plans and budgets.
• Ensure capital and revenue planning are fully integrated.
• Oversee the management of the pension committee and local pension board agendas to ensure committee/board members receive sufficient information on all aspects of the pension schemes activities to enable them to discharge all of their responsibilities effectively.
• Explore opportunities to blend strategies involving treasury and pension scheme investments.

Candidate Criteria

• CCAB/CIMA Qualified Accountant with extensive experience.
• Experience of leading strategic financial operations in a Local Authority is essential.
• Knowledge of Local Government finance framework, including S151, other statutory requirements and code of practice and the key influences on the strategic finances of the authority.
• Evidence of successful resources management at senior level within a Local Authority.
• Knowledge of Pensions & Treasury Accounting in a Local Government environment.
• Great communication skills with ability to work well on own initiative as well as part of a team.