At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and support key decision-makers in Croydon Council.
- 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 arrangements.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on Croydon's financial future and community.
- Qualifications: CCAB/CIMA qualification or significant local government finance experience required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 70000 € 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: or 07922 386 432.
Head of Strategic Finance in London 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 leave policies, 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 navigate the transformational phase towards financial sustainability, shaping the future of Croydon together.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Strategic Finance in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who have experience with local government. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Croydon Council's recent financial strategies and challenges. Show us you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate your understanding of their journey towards financial sustainability.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your skills in budgeting and financial management can directly benefit Croydon Council. We want to hear how you can make a real impact!
✨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 take that extra step.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Strategic Finance in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experience align with the role of Head of Strategic Finance. We want to see how you can contribute to Croydon's financial sustainability journey!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this role involves leading a team, don’t forget to include examples of your leadership experience. We love to see how you've successfully managed teams and delivered strong financial management advice in the past.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to explain your qualifications and experiences. We appreciate clarity, and it helps us understand your fit for the role better!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Croydon Council!
How to prepare for a job interview at Croydon Council
✨Know Your Numbers
As the Head of Strategic Finance, you'll need to demonstrate a solid grasp of financial metrics and strategies. Brush up on your knowledge of budgeting, monitoring, and financial planning processes. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed these in previous roles.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
You'll be leading a team of finance professionals, so it's crucial to highlight your leadership experience. Prepare examples of how you've motivated teams, provided guidance, and delivered strong financial management advice to senior leaders in the past.
✨Understand Local Government Finance
Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges and opportunities within local government finance. Be prepared to discuss how you would approach the Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) and ensure accurate budgeting for the Collection Fund and core grants.
✨Emphasise Adaptability
Croydon Council is moving into a transformational phase, so showcasing your adaptability is key. Share experiences where you've successfully navigated change and contributed to financial sustainability in challenging environments. This will demonstrate your readiness for the role.
