Interim Head of Financial Strategy

An excellent opportunity has arisen for an experienced local government finance professional to join a large and complex council as Interim Head of Financial Strategy.

Reporting directly to the Director of Finance (Deputy S151 Officer), you will play a pivotal role in shaping the council’s financial future, leading on the development of the Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS), annual budget setting process, and corporate financial monitoring. This is a highly visible leadership role requiring strong stakeholder management skills, political awareness, and the ability to provide strategic financial advice across the organisation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development, delivery and ongoing review of the Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) and wider Budget Strategy, working closely with senior leaders, members and key stakeholders.
• Oversee and coordinate production of the council’s annual Budget Book, ensuring capital and revenue plans are fully integrated and accurately reflected.
• Ensure robust and effective monthly corporate financial monitoring processes are in place across revenue, capital expenditure and reserves, identifying financial risks, emerging trends and corrective actions.
• Provide strategic oversight of the council’s Capital Financing Requirement (CFR), borrowing requirements and capital financing costs, ensuring affordability and alignment with the Capital Strategy.
• Work closely with Treasury and Pension colleagues, supporting sound financial decision-making and long-term financial sustainability.
• Present complex financial information to senior management, Members and governance boards, influencing strategic decision-making.

Requirements

• CCAB/CIPFA qualified accountant
• Extensive experience operating at a senior level within local government finance.
• Proven track record of leading MTFS development, budget setting and corporate financial planning.
• Strong understanding of local government funding, capital financing, treasury management and financial governance.
• Experience working with elected members, senior stakeholders and corporate leadership teams.
• Ability to quickly assess financial challenges and drive sustainable solutions in a complex political environment.