At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic financial planning and budget processes for a local authority.
- Company: Local authority in Chichester with a focus on community impact.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, hybrid working, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: 5-6 month contract with potential for career growth in public sector finance.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in local governance while enhancing your financial expertise.
- Qualifications: CCAB-qualified accountant with experience in financial planning and budgeting.
Chichester, United Kingdom | Posted on 21/08/2026
Job Description
- 5-6 months contract with a local authority
- Summary
- This role involves leading and executing the strategic financial planning function for a local authority on a 5-6 month contract, with a daily rate of £600-700 via Umbrella.
The primary focus is on the development, implementation, and monitoring of the Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS), annual budget processes, and long-term financial sustainability plans.
The successful candidate will provide expert financial guidance, challenge, and support to senior leaders, budget holders, and elected Members, ensuring informed decision-making and robust financial governance in a complex local government setting.
Responsibilities
- Spearhead the creation, maintenance, and execution of the Council's Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS), ensuring it aligns with corporate priorities and statutory obligations.
- Conduct comprehensive financial modeling, scenario planning, funding analysis, and long-term financial forecasting to aid strategic decisions.
- Evaluate and oversee the Council's financial sustainability, identifying potential risks, opportunities, and funding challenges.
- Coordinate and manage the annual revenue and capital budget-setting process in collaboration with Directors, Heads of Service, and budget managers.
- Ensure budget proposals are sound, financially viable, and aligned with strategic goals.
- Provide continuous oversight of financial forecasts and budget performance throughout the fiscal year.
- Extensive experience in financial planning, budgeting, and management within a local authority or similar public sector entity.
- Proven track record in developing, implementing, and monitoring Medium-Term Financial Strategies (MTFS).
- Demonstrated experience in leading annual revenue and capital budget-setting processes.
- Strong background in offering strategic financial advice and challenges to senior officers, budget holders, and elected Members.
Essential Qualifications
- CCAB-qualified accountant (CIPFA, ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent) with current professional membership.
- Additional Information
- Working hours: 37 hours per week
- Location: County Hall, Chichester
- Working arrangements: Hybrid, with an estimated two days in the office per week
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Senior Financial Planning Manager in Chichester employer: Civic Recruitment Limited
Civic Recruitment Limited is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment where your expertise in employment law will be valued and impactful. With a strong commitment to employee development, you will have opportunities for professional growth while working on meaningful projects that directly benefit the public sector. Our supportive culture fosters collaboration and innovation, making this role not just a job, but a chance to make a real difference in the community.
