Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Strategic Financial Advisor

Job Title: Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Strategic Financial Advisor

Salary Range: £48,873 – £59,220 per annum

Term: Two Years Fixed Term

Full Time: 36 Hours

Location: Wandsworth Town Hall

The Housing Revenue Account Strategic Financial Advisor is a newly created role working within the central finance team and will work closely with the housing team. You will be at the heart of strategic decision-making and supporting a significant financial and high‑profile service, providing high‑quality strategic financial leadership, planning, and analysis to ensure long‑term sustainability of the Housing Revenue Account.

Lead on the preparation, development, and monitoring of the HRA 30‑year business plan, ensuring it remains robust, sustainable, and aligned to corporate and housing strategies.

Provide strategic financial advice suitable for senior leaders, Cabinet Members, and service directors on all aspects of the HRA.

Drive financial modelling and scenario analysis to assess the impact of rent policy, inflation, investment needs, and housing growth plans.

Ensure the HRA complies with statutory requirements, CIPFA Codes of Practice, and local government financial frameworks.

Oversee the preparation and management of annual budgets, forecasts, and medium‑term financial plans for the HRA.

Lead on producing the HRA outturn and monitoring reports, including variance analysis and performance insights.

Provide accurate and timely financial information to support housing, asset management, and capital investment decisions.

Work collaboratively with internal audit, external audit, and treasury teams to maintain strong governance and assurance.

Support the financial planning underpinning the delivery of the capital programme for housing, including new build schemes and major repairs.

Work collaboratively with relevant Directorates on the financial appraisal of housing development projects, regeneration schemes, and stock investment proposals.

Ensure capital financing decisions (including borrowing, grants, and reserves) are optimised to support long‑term HRA sustainability.

Lead by example and build strong partnerships with other Service Areas.

Provide expert guidance to non‑financial managers to enhance financial literacy across the housing service.

Represent the organisation at internal and external forums on HRA and housing finance matters.

• CCAB‑qualified accountant or equivalent
• Significant experience in local authority or social housing finance, particularly in managing or advising on HRAs with proven experience of long‑term financial planning, business modelling, and investment appraisal
• Strong understanding of housing policy, capital financing frameworks, and rent setting regulations
• Experience using financial planning tools, excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills, with attention to detail and accuracy
• Strong communication and presentation skills, able to convey complex financial issues to non‑financial audiences

We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. Richmond & Wandsworth Better Service Partnership works to ensure inclusive recruitment practices for all. We support employees from diverse backgrounds and encourage applications from all backgrounds.

We are a Disability Confident employer. If you require reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment and selection process, please let us know.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Where applicable posts may be exempted under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, appointment will be conditional upon submission of a satisfactory police record check via Disclosure and Barring Service.

Benefits include 40 days annual leave (including bank holidays), flexible working and a generous pension plan.