Head of Financial Management in Darlington

Job Purpose To lead the development of the Authority’s medium-term, sustainable financial planning in close collaboration with the Group Director of Finance & Resources and Corporate Leadership Team, aligning with the strategic vision set by Cabinet. You will oversee a holistic business partnering function, providing expert financial management advice to Members, the Chief Executive, and senior leadership to underpin major organizational decision-making. Key Responsibilities ● Strategic Financial Planning: Lead and drive the Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) and Capital Strategy to ensure sustainable financial planning aligned with the Treasury Management Strategy. ● Business Partnering & Leadership: Direct and motivate the Financial Management and Business Partnering teams to deliver high-performance financial advisory services across all directorates. ● Budget Setting & Monitoring: Oversee annual budget setting, in-year budget monitoring, and month-end closure processes, delivering timely and robust financial reports to Cabinet. ● Decision Support & Analysis: Provide strategic financial leadership, appraisal, and challenge for major business cases, options appraisals, and decision reports. ● Governance & Collaboration: Liaise closely with the Head of Financial Accounting to align financial management with accounting standards, treasury policies, and statutory requirements. Requirements & Competencies ● Leadership & Direction: Proven track record in translating strategic vision into operational delivery, managing complex stakeholder relationships, and coaching senior managers. ● Technical Expertise: Recognized expert in public sector financial management, local government funding frameworks, capital strategies, and financial decision-making. ● Communication & Influence: Excellent political awareness and emotional intelligence, with the ability to navigate complex discussions and advise senior executives and elected Members