Head of Finance

Brent is a tremendously vibrant London borough where the iconic arch of Wembley Stadium dominates the skyline. Spanning both inner and outer London, it is a borough of huge contrasts in terms of its economic, environmental, ethnic and social make up. Brent’s diversity is evident to all who visit our borough and our long history of ethnic and cultural diversity has created a place that is truly unique and valued by those who live and work here. The council is pursuing a far-reaching transformation agenda that better meets the needs of our community so it is an exciting time to join us.

The Post

As a key member of Brent Council’s senior finance leadership team, this role serves as the principal financial adviser to the Section 151 Officer, Deputy S151 Officer, Elected Members, and the Corporate Director for Service Reform & Strategy. The position plays a pivotal role in shaping and delivering the department’s financial strategy, ensuring alignment with corporate priorities and fiscal sustainability. The role involves building and maintaining strong partnerships with key stakeholders, including health sector partners, and leveraging financial insights to support strategic decision-making and policy development.

The Person

Leading a team of Finance Business Partners (2 Senior Finance Analysts, 2 Finance Analysts and graduate trainee), the postholder oversees financial support across a diverse portfolio, including Adult Social Care, Strategic Commissioning and Capacity Building, Public Health, Leisure & Parks, Integrated Care Partnerships, and Communications, Insight & Innovation. The team provides expert financial advice, robust challenge, and strategic support to service directors—enabling effective budget management, financial modelling of policy and corporate initiatives, and the delivery of savings and service efficiencies in line with the Council’s values and objectives.

Our Offer to You

• 27 days annual leave plus 8 bank holidays, increasing to 31 days plus 8 bank holidays after 5 years continuous service
• Flexible working hours and the opportunity to work from home 2 days per week (laptop provided)
• A wide range of family friendly policies such as parental leave
• Access to affordable parking nearby
• Access to our Zipcar scheme
• Access to our Employee Assistance programme for free confidential counselling
• Season ticket loan for public transport
• Cycle to work scheme and good onsite facilities
• Access to My Brent Rewards for big brand discounts, local offers and money off for travel, cinema and shopping vouchers.

Additional Information

If you are interested in applying for this job, please start by clicking the "Apply Now" button below. You must provide a supporting statement as part of your application that clearly shows how you meet the criteria on the Person Specification. We will accept a CV in support of your application, however, you should still provide a supporting statement. Brent Council values the diversity of its community and aims to have a workforce that reflects this and therefore encourage applications from all sections of the community. We positively encourage all applicants to self-identify their characteristics in the diversity survey section in the application. We are committed to safer recruitment and safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Applicants should be aware that posts working with children, young people and vulnerable adults are subject to an Enhanced DBS check as well as other employment clearances.

Brent has a positive approach to flexible working. As a disability confident employer Brent welcomes applications from people with all disabilities, including “non-visible” disabilities and mental health conditions. We will interview any disabled applicant who meets the essential criteria. If you require reasonable adjustments to be made to any part of the recruitment process due to your disability, please contact us on recruitment@brent.gov.uk.