Head Of Financial Planning And Business Partnering

Permanent Opportunity

Local Government | Senior Finance Leadership

£63,280 to £75,805 plus service manager special allowance of £5,769

Are you an accomplished finance leader looking for an opportunity to shape the financial future of a forward‑thinking local authority?

We are seeking an exceptional Head of Financial Planning & Business Partnering to lead the organisation's financial planning, budgeting and business partnering functions. Reporting directly to the Chief Finance Officer, you will play a pivotal role in delivering the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS), leading the annual budget‑setting process, and providing high‑quality financial advice to senior leaders and elected Members.

• Lead the annual revenue budget process from planning through to Council approval.
• Develop medium‑term financial forecasts and support the delivery of the Medium Term Financial Strategy.
• Drive robust financial planning, budget monitoring and forecasting across all service areas.
• Lead and develop a high‑performing team of Finance Business Partners, providing strategic financial support to directors and budget holders.
• Identify financial pressures, savings opportunities and service improvements to support organisational priorities.
• Oversee revenue budget monitoring, financial reporting and statutory returns.
• Lead the revenue closedown process and work closely with Corporate Finance colleagues to support the production of the Statement of Accounts and external audit.
• Build strong relationships with senior stakeholders, elected Members and external partners, providing clear financial insight to support informed decision‑making.

• A recognised professional accountancy qualification (ideally CIPFA, although other CCAB qualifications will be considered).
• Significant senior finance leadership experience within local government or a similarly complex public sector environment.
• Extensive knowledge of local authority budgeting, financial planning and financial management.
• Experience of leading Finance Business Partnering teams and influencing strategic decision‑making.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to develop, motivate and inspire high‑performing teams.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, including experience of presenting to senior leadership teams and elected Members.
• Advanced analytical skills with the ability to translate complex financial information into clear, practical advice.

This is an outstanding opportunity to join a progressive finance leadership team where you'll have genuine influence over strategic financial planning and organisational performance. You'll play a key role in helping the authority navigate financial challenges while supporting the delivery of high‑quality public services.

If you're a commercially minded finance leader with a passion for public service and strategic financial management, we'd love to hear from you.