At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and support key decision-makers in transforming Croydon's financial future.
- Company: Join Croydon Council, a vital part of London’s growth story.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, flexible working, and a strong pension scheme.
- Other info: Inclusive employer with support for flexible working and diverse staff networks.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a diverse borough during a transformational phase.
- Qualifications: CCAB/CIMA qualification or significant local government finance experience required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 € per year.
Croydon Council has faced significant challenges in recent years in terms of its financial position. The financial challenge is steep, but the Government has noted our strong progress, with an Executive Mayor, Cabinet, Chief Executive and Corporate Management Team, who all share a commitment to the task ahead and putting Croydon’s people first. This is a very exciting time to join Croydon as we move from the recovery and improvement phases to the transformational phase of our journey to bring the Council back to financial sustainability. Croydon is a fantastic place; a vital part of London’s growth story with a strong identity in its own right and this is a rare chance to make genuine change in a place of great opportunity. What we do together over the next four years will help shape the future of one of London’s most diverse and exciting boroughs.
Responsibilities
- Support the Director of Finance (Deputy S151 Officer) and Corporate Director of Resources (S151 Officer), deputising when required.
- Produce the Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) and act as finance business partner for the Resources, Assistant Chief Executive and Corporate directorates.
- Oversee financial planning, monitoring and coordination of financial arrangements for both revenue and capital finance.
- Lead a team of Finance Managers, Principal Accountants and Accountants.
Qualifications
- Hold a CCAB/CIMA accountancy qualification or possess significant strategic knowledge and experience in local government finance.
- Have evidence of successfully managing key financial processes (budgeting, monitoring, closing of accounts, completion of grant and statistical returns) for both revenue and capital.
- Demonstrated ability to lead a professional team to deliver strong financial management advice to senior leaders.
- Strong experience of ensuring that the MTFS takes into account accurate budgeting for the Collection Fund, core grants and the Council’s Treasury Management Strategy Statement, Capital Investment Strategy and Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP).
Benefits
- Generous paid Annual Leave of up to 31 days (eligibility criteria applies).
- Provision to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave per year (eligibility criteria applies).
- Flexible and Agile working.
- Generous sick leave, maternity leave and family leave provisions.
- Local Government Pension Scheme with employer contributions of 20% (average), life assurance (3 years’ salary) and benefit provisions for dependants.
- Discounted season tickets for parking in local car parks and an option to cap the daily cost to less than £6.
- Interest free travel loans for season tickets.
- Confidential and free employee assistance programme and access to staff network groups – BAME, Working Carers, LGBT+, Women’s and Mental Health & Wellbeing.
Equal Opportunities Statement
Croydon Council is an inclusive employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. Subject to business needs, we will be pleased to consider applications from candidates seeking flexible working arrangements and support hybrid working, whereby staff attend the workplace for part of their working week and work from home or elsewhere, remotely for the rest of the time. As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the advertised role. Croydon council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment.
Further Information
For a confidential discussion contact: andrew.barton@penna.com or 07922 386 432.
Head of Strategic Finance employer: Croydon Council
Croydon Council is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead strategic finance in a vibrant and diverse borough of London. With a strong commitment to employee well-being, the council provides generous annual leave, flexible working arrangements, and robust support for professional growth, making it an ideal place for those looking to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a supportive work culture. Join us as we embark on a transformative journey towards financial sustainability, where your contributions will help shape the future of Croydon and its community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Strategic Finance
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, especially those connected to Croydon Council. Attend local finance events or webinars to meet potential colleagues and get the inside scoop on the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Croydon’s financial challenges and successes. Show us you understand the local government landscape and how your skills can help steer the council towards financial sustainability.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the responsibilities of the Head of Strategic Finance. We want to hear about your strategic thinking and leadership skills in action.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Strategic Finance
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in local government finance. We want to see how your skills align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description, especially around financial planning and team leadership.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your duties; we want to hear about your successes! Use specific examples of how you've managed key financial processes or led a team to deliver strong financial management advice. Numbers and outcomes speak volumes!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and ensure your key points stand out. This will help us quickly see why you’re the right fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure it gets to the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our values there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Croydon Council
✨Know Your Numbers
As a candidate for the Head of Strategic Finance, it's crucial to have a solid grasp of financial metrics and strategies. Brush up on your knowledge of the Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) and be ready to discuss how you would approach budgeting and financial planning in a local government context.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
This role involves leading a team of finance professionals, so be prepared to share examples of your leadership experience. Think about times when you've successfully managed a team or project, and how you’ve provided strong financial management advice to senior leaders.
✨Understand Croydon's Context
Familiarise yourself with Croydon Council's recent financial challenges and recovery efforts. Demonstrating an understanding of the local context and how it impacts financial strategy will show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference in the community.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street, so come armed with insightful questions. Ask about the Council's vision for financial sustainability and how the role contributes to that goal. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the position aligns with your career aspirations.
