Head of Finance

Head of Finance

Birmingham Full-Time 77154 ÂŁ / year No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead financial planning, budgeting, and reporting for Sandwell Children’s Trust.
  • Company: Join Sandwell Children’s Trust, dedicated to transforming lives of children and families.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and a relocation package up to ÂŁ6500.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on children's lives while shaping financial strategies at a senior level.
  • Qualifications: Qualified finance professional with strong leadership and strategic financial planning experience required.
  • Other info: Applications close on 10th August 2025; diverse workforce encouraged.

Head of Finance

Like the look of this opportunity Make sure to apply fast, as a high volume of applications is expected Scroll down to read the complete job description.
Salary: £72,145 – £82,163 per annum
Location: Oldbury, West Midlands
Contract Type: Full-time, 37 hours per week
Organisation: Sandwell Children’s Trust

Sandwell Children’s Trust is on a transformational journey to improve outcomes for children and families – and we’re looking for a strategic, solutions-focused finance professional to join their team as Head of Finance.
Sandwell are seeking a strategic thinker who can develop and implement financial strategies that are in line with the Trust’s ambition for excellence and underpin their approach to transformation. Someone who can lead the finance function through planning, managing and delivering and can provide financial advice and guidance to the Trust’s Senior Management Team on strategic decisions and business initiatives.
Sandwell’s ambition is to build a high performing finance team that is output focused, providing high quality financial support and advice. You’ll provide expert financial leadership, ensuring resources are used effectively to deliver high-quality outcomes for children and families underpinned by the recognition of the financial constraints faced by the public sector. Whilst ensuring compliance with financial regulations, statutory requirements and internal policies there is a clear requirement to identify opportunities to reduce cost and improve financial efficiency.

About the Role:
As Head of Finance, you will lead our finance function with overall responsibility for strategic financial planning, budget management, financial reporting and insight. This is a senior leadership role, reporting to the Director of Resources and Governance and working closely with the Executive Management Team and Trust Board.
Your leadership will shape the financial future of the Trust – ensuring that we meet our financial obligations while maximising value, improving efficiency and supporting vital children’s services.

Key Responsibilities:

Develop and deliver the Trust’s short, medium and long-term financial strategies.
Provide expert financial advice to senior leaders, enabling sound strategic decisions.
Oversee all financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, reporting, and compliance.
Lead and develop the finance team to provide a high-performing and innovative service.
Ensure strong financial governance and identify opportunities to improve cost-effectiveness.
Support stakeholders on legislative, policy and budgetary matters.About You:
We’re looking for a qualified (CIPFA, ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) and dynamic leader who brings:

Strong financial acumen and experience in financial planning, forecasting and reporting.
The ability to translate complex financial information into clear, actionable advice.
Commercial awareness and a strategic mindset.
Knowledge of children’s services or social care finance, including grants and compliance frameworks.
Experience working in a governance-focused environment and engaging with senior stakeholders.
Proven team leadership and development skills.
Why Join Us?
At Sandwell Children’s Trust, we’re driven by a single goal: to make a lasting difference to children’s lives. In this role, you’ll help ensure that every pound we spend supports that mission. We offer a collaborative environment, flexible working arrangements, and the opportunity to influence change at the highest level.
Additional Benefits:

Relocation package up to ÂŁ6500
Defined benefits pension scheme with employer contributions of up to 20.5%
Annual leave of up to 31 days plus 8 Bank Holidays, plus a concessionary day at Christmas, plus up to 5 additional days for long service recognition and the opportunity to buy up to 10 additional days holiday
Paid birthday off – in addition to the annual leave entitlement
Employee benefits scheme including lease cars, bike scheme, salary sacrifice for new technology and high street discounts
Service awards from 2, 5, 10 and every 5 years onward
Why Sandwell Children\’s Trust?
By joining our team, you will be making a real difference in the lives of children and families. We are dedicated to driving meaningful change and ensuring the best outcomes for those we serve.
Deadline for applications is Sunday 10th August 2025, or a confidential discussion about this role, please contact our recruitment partners at Baltimore Consulting.
Together, let’s create a brighter, safer future for Sandwell’s children.
(We offer a senior referral scheme upon successful placement of your recommendation so please do get in contact)
Sandwell Children’s Trust are passionate about creating and evolving a diverse workforce and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant. Recruiting decisions are based on your experience and skills. Any reasonable adjustments in the workplace will be fully supported during the application and hiring process

Head of Finance employer: Baltimore Consulting Limited

Sandwell Children’s Trust is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a lasting difference in the lives of children and families. With a collaborative work culture, flexible working arrangements, and a strong focus on employee growth, we offer a supportive environment where your financial expertise can truly impact our mission. Our comprehensive benefits package, including a generous pension scheme and additional leave for long service, ensures that you are valued and rewarded for your contributions.
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Contact Detail:

Baltimore Consulting Limited Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Finance

✨Tip Number 1

Network with professionals in the finance sector, especially those with experience in children's services or public sector finance. Attend relevant conferences or seminars to meet potential colleagues and learn about the latest trends in financial management.

✨Tip Number 2

Research Sandwell Children’s Trust thoroughly. Understand their mission, values, and current financial strategies. This knowledge will help you tailor your discussions during interviews and demonstrate your genuine interest in contributing to their goals.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've led financial teams or projects in the past. Highlight your ability to improve financial efficiency and compliance, as these are key aspects of the role you're applying for.

✨Tip Number 4

Engage with current or former employees of Sandwell Children’s Trust on platforms like LinkedIn. They can provide insights into the company culture and expectations, which can be invaluable during your interview preparation.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance

Financial Planning
Budget Management
Financial Reporting
Strategic Thinking
Leadership Skills
Stakeholder Engagement
Compliance Knowledge
Cost Reduction Strategies
Team Development
Commercial Awareness
Analytical Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Knowledge of Public Sector Finance
Communication Skills
Governance Experience

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in financial planning, forecasting, and reporting. Emphasise your leadership skills and any experience you have in children's services or social care finance.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that clearly outlines your strategic mindset and how your financial acumen aligns with the goals of Sandwell Children’s Trust. Mention specific examples of how you've improved financial efficiency in previous roles.

Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly state your qualifications (CIPFA, ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) in your application. This is crucial for demonstrating your suitability for the Head of Finance role.

Showcase Leadership Experience: In your application, provide examples of how you've led teams to deliver high-quality financial support. Discuss your approach to developing team members and fostering a high-performing environment.

How to prepare for a job interview at Baltimore Consulting Limited

✨Understand the Organisation's Mission

Before your interview, make sure you fully understand Sandwell Children’s Trust's mission and values. Be prepared to discuss how your financial strategies can align with their goal of making a lasting difference in children's lives.

✨Showcase Your Financial Acumen

Highlight your experience in financial planning, forecasting, and reporting. Be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully implemented financial strategies in previous roles, especially in governance-focused environments.

✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions

As this role involves providing expert financial advice to senior leaders, practice articulating complex financial information in a clear and actionable manner. Think of scenarios where your advice led to significant strategic decisions.

✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills

Be prepared to discuss your experience in leading and developing finance teams. Share specific examples of how you've fostered a high-performing culture and improved team efficiency in past positions.

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