Interim Head of Financial Planning

An exceptional opportunity has arisen for you to step into a pivotal senior leadership position as Interim Head of Financial Planning within Local Government Authority based in the West Midlands. This role offers the chance to shape and influence the financial future of a major council, reporting directly to the Director of Finance and acting as a trusted advisor to Members, the Corporate Leadership Team, and Directorate Heads of Finance.

What You'll Do

As Interim Head of Financial Planning, you will play a central role in shaping how financial resources are managed across all areas of this large public sector organisation. Your day-to-day responsibilities will see you leading a talented team focused on providing insightful analysis, robust reporting, and strategic advice that supports both immediate operational needs and long-term ambitions. You will work closely with senior leaders to ensure that all financial planning activities, from budget setting to monitoring, are executed with precision and transparency. Your ability to foster collaboration between directorates will be essential in driving forward continuous improvement initiatives that enhance service delivery for residents. By developing forward-thinking financial strategies and maintaining strong governance frameworks, you will help secure sustainable funding streams while ensuring compliance with statutory requirements. Your expertise in stakeholder engagement will enable you to build productive relationships both internally and externally, empowering communities through coordinated service delivery. Ultimately, your success in this role will be measured by your capacity to deliver value for money solutions that underpin organisational resilience during periods of change.

Lead a dedicated team responsible for delivering comprehensive financial planning, reporting, control, support, insight, and advice for stakeholders across the council. Oversee the development and implementation of the Medium-Term Financial Plan as well as annual budget setting processes and in-year budget monitoring activities. Provide expert support to the Section 151 Officer and Finance Leadership Team in achieving key financial objectives while maintaining commercial awareness on projects and partnerships. Shape strategic direction by contributing to the Corporate Plan and playing an integral role in delivering finance plans that align with organisational goals. Drive continuous service improvement by championing constructive scrutiny, promoting collaborative working practices across Finance teams and external stakeholders. Develop key financial strategies such as the Medium-Term Financial Strategy to ensure long-term sustainability and value for money. Maintain rigorous budgetary control systems that guarantee effective use of resources while supporting outcome-based commissioning initiatives. Promote good governance by ensuring integrity in financial systems through robust controls, accurate record-keeping, and timely reporting mechanisms. Engage proactively with senior stakeholders including partner organisations, government departments, suppliers, banks, brokers and represent the council on national or regional working groups. Lead complex negotiations on contracts and funding agreements under the direction of the Deputy Section 151 Officer while investigating innovative financing methodologies.

What You Bring

Demonstrated experience leading finance teams within large or complex organisations where advanced interpersonal skills have been used to inspire high performance levels among colleagues. Proven track record providing professional advice at a strategic level supporting decision-making processes through clear written and verbal communication. Extensive background in financial planning or strategy development including identifying funding sources, forecasting income streams, and managing budgets effectively. Ability to understand political processes alongside an appreciation for managing politically sensitive issues within local government environments. Experience translating strategic objectives into actionable operational targets while prioritising workloads under pressure in rapidly changing circumstances. Deep understanding of governance frameworks relevant to local government operations including laws, regulations, statutory reporting requirements and their practical application. Capability to lead change management initiatives aimed at enhancing departmental performance whilst promoting efficiency improvements across services. Commercial awareness applied to projects involving partner organisations; adept at negotiating complex agreements that secure funding or deliver value-added outcomes. Commitment to upholding equity, diversity, inclusion policies throughout all aspects of workforce planning and policy development activities. Possession of CCAB or equivalent professional financial accreditation demonstrating technical proficiency required for this senior post.

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