Finance Manager Children\'s (Head of Finance)

Ealing is often referred to as the ‘Queen of the Suburbs’ because of its award‑winning parks, green spaces and a general ‘country in London’ feel. Ealing is also a culturally vibrant London Borough with thriving communities in the heart of West London, an enviable investment programme, served by a Council that is proactive, outcomes focused and ambitious about the future.

As a result of the Government’s Fair Funding Review 2.0, the council sits uniquely placed to focus its efforts on utilising its updated funding allocation to uplift and invest in genuine reform, prevention and member priorities, which support long‑term financial sustainability. If you are ready to take the next step in your career, this is a fantastic opportunity to work strategically with a dynamic and progressive Finance leadership team.

Supported by the Assistant Director, Finance Business Partnering, you will lead the Children’s finance team in our Finance Business Partnering service and work at the heart of the Council’s financial affairs and policy choices. This is a pivotal leadership post, providing senior strategic financial leadership to Children’s Services in a complex, high‑risk environment. You will strengthen governance, improve forecasting and financial grip, and support delivery of statutory services.

You will develop strategic, business, and financial plans that deliver best practice and value for money—working closely with senior officers, the finance leadership team, and key stakeholders both internally, across the wider public sector and beyond. This post will lead, drive and embed finance business partnering support for the wider Children’s Services department, including children’s social care, education and schools.

A core element of this role is leading financial oversight and strategy across Special Educational Needs (SEN) and the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG)—bringing credibility and expertise to support recovery planning, assurance, and sustainable medium‑term solutions.

As our Finance Manager (Head of Finance - Children’s Services), you will:

• Lead strategic financial management across Children’s Social Care, SEND, Schools and DSG, ensuring robust governance, compliance, and assurance.
• Provide visible, trusted leadership and accountability—strengthening the council’s approach to forecasting, risk management, and decision support in Children’s Services.
• Drive improved MTFS ownership for Children’s Services, supporting delivery of transformation and savings programmes and readiness for audit/external scrutiny.
• Lead and develop the Children’s finance function and ways of working, building capability, resilience and strong business partnering.
• Provide clear, confident advice to senior stakeholders, translating complex financial issues into practical options and recommendations.

We are looking for a senior finance professional who brings a recognised accountancy qualification (CCAB/CIMA or equivalent), enjoys working independently and can bring a fresh perspective on shaping how things can be done. You will have strong leadership experience in a complex organisation (preferably local government) and clear, demonstrable understanding and expertise in local authority finance (preferably Social Care), including the funding and governance landscape for SEND and DSG.

You will have a proven ability to strengthen financial governance, improve forecasting, and lead teams through change and stabilisation. As a senior manager, you will be expected to communicate all of the above to both finance and non‑finance officers using excellent communication and influencing skills.

Ealing is a fantastic place to work, and we offer a range of employee benefits, including flexible working, pension and a real opportunity to both make a difference and progress your career. Our offices are easily accessible, with step‑free access and located in a lively and eclectic town centre in the heart of Ealing. The addition of the Elizabeth line along with two other tube lines (Central and District) means that public transport options are plentiful and it takes less than 15 minutes to get to central London.

This position is a hybrid role, and as a senior officer you will be expected to attend meetings in person where required in accordance with the needs of the service and finance departments.

If you’re excited about what we’re offering and you’d like to know more, please contact Baljinder Sangha, Assistant Director of Finance at sanghab@ealing.gov.uk.