At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial transformation and provide strategic advice to shape Birmingham City Council's future.
- Company: Join Birmingham City Council, a key player in local government innovation.
- Benefits: Make a real impact while enjoying a supportive work environment and career growth.
- Other info: Opportunity to influence high-level decision-making and lead major change programmes.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of financial sustainability and drive change that benefits communities.
- Qualifications: Extensive senior finance leadership experience and strong understanding of local government finance.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 117800 £ per year.
This is a pivotal leadership role at the heart of Birmingham City Council’s financial transformation and improvement journey. As Director of Finance, you will be a deputy S151 officer and act as a senior strategic leader, helping to shape the Council’s long-term financial sustainability during one of the most significant periods of change in local government. You will lead the Council’s Finance Business Partnering and Directorate Support functions, ensuring high-quality financial advice, robust governance and strong financial control are embedded across the organisation. Working closely with Executive Directors, Members and senior stakeholders, you will play a central role in driving value for money, improving financial literacy and supporting major transformation programmes across the Council.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Working with the Executive Director for Finance and the Director of Finance for Corporate Services, you will have a leadership role in delivering a high performing, fit for future finance function.
- Lead the Council’s Finance Business Partnering and Directorate Support functions, ensuring high-quality strategic financial advice across all Directorates.
- Deputise for the Section 151 Officer, representing Finance at senior officer, Member and governance meetings.
- Drive a culture of financial accountability, value for money and evidence-based decision making across the organisation.
- Build strong relationships with Executive Directors and senior stakeholders, ensuring Finance is embedded in strategic decision-making.
- Lead the delivery of forward-looking financial planning, investment appraisal and financial insight to support organisational priorities.
- Oversee monitoring of the Council’s savings programme, supporting delivery of the Improvement and Recovery Plan.
- Play a key leadership role in the implementation and optimisation of the Oracle Brindley system across Finance services.
About You
- Significant senior leadership experience within Finance in a large, complex organisation.
- Strong understanding of Local Government finance, governance and financial sustainability challenges.
- Proven track record of leading large-scale transformation, service improvement and organisational change.
- Experience providing strategic financial advice and challenge at Executive and Member level.
- Strong commercial and financial acumen, with experience managing large budgets and complex financial environments.
- Ability to build high-performing teams and foster a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.
- Politically astute, resilient and confident operating within a fast-paced and highly visible environment.
Leadership & Impact
- Lead and develop Heads of Finance and wider Directorate finance teams.
- Promote a culture of excellence in financial business partnering and customer-focused support.
- Strengthen financial literacy and accountability across the Council.
- Drive improvements in financial reporting, forecasting and performance management.
- Support organisational transformation through strategic leadership and partnership working.
Why Join Us
- Play a central role in Birmingham City Council’s transformation and recovery journey.
- Influence strategic financial decision-making at the highest level of the organisation.
- Help shape the future of Finance within Europe’s largest local authority.
- Lead major change programmes that directly impact residents and communities.
- Work alongside senior leaders driving organisational improvement and reform.
- Be part of a forward-thinking leadership team focused on innovation and value for money.
- Make a lasting impact on the financial sustainability and future direction of the Council.
To Apply
Please submit: An up-to-date CV and a personal statement (maximum 1,000 words) outlining how your skills, experience and behaviours meet the requirements of the role.
Your Personal Statement Should Clearly Demonstrate
- Why you are interested in joining Birmingham City Council and contributing to our improvement journey.
- How your experience aligns with the essential criteria set out in the person specification.
- Specific examples of your achievements, impact and leadership, including the value you would bring to this role.
Applications will be assessed against the criteria detailed in the person specification, so we strongly encourage you to address these directly within your statement. Birmingham City Council is an accredited Disability Confident Leader employer, and we are committed to employing, retaining and developing all of our people. If you require reasonable adjustments or additional support during your application, please let us know.
For informal enquiries please contact: Resourcing@birmingham.gov.uk
A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be undertaken. Proof of Right to work in the UK will be required for all applicants in accordance with UK Home Office requirements, before any employment offer can be confirmed.
This is an exciting time to join Birmingham City Council. To learn more about the Finance Directorate, our transformation journey and the impact you could make, please see our Senior finance recruitment pack.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director, Business Partnering & Support
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Birmingham City Council. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Director, Business Partnering & Support
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Birmingham City Council.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Birmingham City Council's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Birmingham City Council
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Birmingham City Council.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Birmingham City Council will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Birmingham City Council employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
