Head of Strategic Finance

£75k to £85k | Permanent | Local Authority | West Midlands

Lead finance that shapes public services, grows your influence, and accelerates your leadership career.

We’re looking for a Head of Strategic Finance to join a large local authority in the West Midlands. This is a rare opportunity to lead a high-performing finance function, influence key strategic decisions, and develop the skills and visibility to move into Director-level roles. You’ll take ownership of the Finance Business Partnering function, work closely with senior leaders and elected Members, and help embed financial insight at the heart of the organisation.

• Build influence from day one – you’ll advise senior leaders and elected Members, shaping policy, transformation, and major organisational decisions.
• Lead and develop a team – mentor and grow high-performing Finance Business Partners, strengthening your people leadership skills.
• Drive meaningful transformation – improve systems, processes, and financial governance to make the organisation more efficient and impactful.
• Expand your strategic exposure - gain experience across budgets, reporting, service planning, and organisational performance.
• Position yourself for senior leadership – develop the breadth, visibility, and credibility needed for future Director-level opportunities.

• Lead the Finance Business Partnering service, delivering high-quality strategic, commercial, and financial advice across all areas.
• Build financial capability across the organisation, supporting managers to take ownership and make informed decisions.
• Provide assurance over in-year financial performance, identifying risks, pressures, and opportunities before they become issues.
• Lead revenue and capital budget monitoring, reporting, and governance, helping services optimise resources and deliver savings.
• Act as a key advisor on policy development, service transformation, and delivery of the corporate plan.
• Lead and inspire your team, fostering collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.

• Full CCAB or equivalent accountancy qualification.
• Proven experience in a senior finance business partnering role within a large and complex organisation.
• Strong expertise in budgeting, financial reporting, and medium-term financial planning.
• Ability to influence and challenge senior leaders and elected Members with confidence.
• Collaborative leadership style with experience of developing high-performing teams.
• Local government experience is essential.
• Generous pension scheme with employer contributions above 15%.
• 30+ days annual leave, plus bank holidays.
• Hybrid working and flexible arrangements for a better work-life balance.

Ready to make your mark?

This is a rare chance to lead strategic finance at scale, influence high-level decisions, and accelerate your leadership career. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so early submission is encouraged.