Head of Finance – Business Partnering
Permanent – Grade 7 (Consultation grade subject to formal evaluation under the Equal Pay Programme). Working 36.5 hours per week. Sponsorship is not available; applicants must have the right to work in the UK that does not require employer sponsorship for the duration of the appointment.
Lead strategic financial decision‑making at Birmingham City Council. Three exceptional Heads of Finance – Business Partnering will support senior leaders, drive financial sustainability and shape the future of services for Birmingham’s residents.
Portfolios
Children and Young People
- Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) funding and financial sustainability.
- Oversight of the Birmingham Children’s Trust contractual arrangements.
- Long‑term financial support for schools and Schools Financial Services.
- Supporting improved outcomes for children, young people and families across the city.
Place, Prosperity and Sustainability
- International and domestic investment programmes.
- Economic development and inclusive growth initiatives.
- Transport, connectivity and infrastructure investment.
- Planning, property and place‑shaping services that support the city’s future prosperity.
City Housing
- Homelessness prevention and housing solutions.
- Rough sleeping services and support programmes.
- The Housing Revenue Account (HRA) and long‑term housing investment.
- Supporting the delivery of safe, sustainable and affordable housing services.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Act as the senior finance lead and trusted adviser to Directorate leadership teams.
- Lead financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, monitoring and year‑end reporting across complex service areas.
- Drive financial sustainability through robust financial management, savings delivery and commercial insight.
- Provide leadership on major transformation programmes, business cases and investment decisions.
- Support the Section 151 Officer and Finance Leadership Team in delivering corporate financial objectives.
- Build strong relationships with Members, senior stakeholders, partners and external organisations.
- Lead, develop and motivate finance professionals to deliver excellent services and continuous improvement.
About You & Qualifications
- CCAB (or equivalent) professional accountancy qualification.
- Significant experience leading finance teams within a large, complex organisation.
- Strong track record of providing strategic financial advice to senior leaders and stakeholders.
- Excellent financial planning, budget management and business partnering expertise.
- Experience developing business cases, financial models and supporting major transformation programmes.
- Strong commercial awareness with the ability to identify opportunities, efficiencies and innovative funding solutions.
- Knowledge of the local government financial, statutory and political environment, or the ability to quickly apply relevant experience from a similarly complex sector.
Benefits
- Senior leadership role at one of the largest local authorities in Europe.
- Influence decisions that affect over one million residents and the future of Birmingham.
- Lead financial strategy across high‑profile, complex and politically significant services.
- Work closely with senior leaders, elected members, government bodies and strategic partners.
- Drive transformation, innovation and service improvement at scale.
- Develop your career within a large, ambitious and evolving Finance Directorate.
- Help build a financially sustainable council that delivers better outcomes for Birmingham’s communities.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and aim to have a workforce that represents the communities we serve. Birmingham City Council is a Disability Confident Employer. We commit to an inclusive recruitment journey and welcome reasonable adjustments or additional support for applicants.
A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be undertaken. Proof of right to work in the UK will be required for all applicants.
Head of Finance - Business Partnering employer: Birmingham City Council
Birmingham City Council is an excellent employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive work environment for those passionate about making a difference in the lives of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities. With a strong commitment to staff development, hybrid working arrangements, and a collaborative culture, employees are empowered to grow professionally while contributing to meaningful community outcomes in Birmingham.
