Full job descriptionMy 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.