At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial planning and budgeting for Birmingham City Council's £4.7bn revenue budget.
- Company: Join Birmingham City Council, the largest local authority in Europe.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 30 days leave, hybrid working, and strong pension scheme.
- Other info: Opportunity to modernise processes and influence strategic decisions.
- Why this job: Shape the future of finance and make a real impact on local communities.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with extensive local government financial planning experience.
The predicted salary is between 66627 - 85845 £ per year.
- Government & Public Services / Senior Finance Qualified
- Company: Hays
Consultant: Bryony Spence Hays office: Birmingham — 3rd Floor, One Colmore Square, Phone: 01212123177Email: bryony. spence@hays.
Birmingham City Council is continuing an ambitious financial transformation journey and is seeking an experienced finance leader to join the organisation as Head of Financial Planning.
As one of two priority leadership appointments within the Finance Directorate, this role will play a critical part in embedding long-term stability, strengthening financial resilience and supporting the next phase of the Council's improvement journey.
This is an outstanding opportunity to help shape the future of the largest local authority in Europe.
Reporting to the Director of Corporate Finance (Deputy S151 Officer), you will play a key role in strengthening financial planning, forecasting and decision-making across a revenue budget of approximately 4.7bn, ensuring the Council remains financially sustainable while continuing to deliver vital services to Birmingham's communities.
You will lead the Council's Financial Planning function, with responsibility for: The Medium-Term Financial Plan (MTFP). Annual budget setting and corporate financial planning.
Revenue monitoring and forecasting.
Providing strategic financial advice to Members, senior officers and key stakeholders.
Supporting the Council's wider financial sustainability agenda.
This role will suit someone who enjoys operating at both a strategic and operational level, can translate complex financial information into clear recommendations and is confident about shaping decisions across a large and politically sensitive organisation.
We are seeking a qualified accountant (CCAB or equivalent) with extensive financial planning experience gained within local government.
Significant experience of medium-term financial planning and budget development.
Strong understanding of local authority funding, funding formulas and business rates.
A proactive and modern approach to financial management and improvement.
In return, you will receive a salary of between 66,627 and 85,845, alongside a strong benefits package designed to support both your career and your life outside work.
This includes 30 days' annual leave plus bank holidays, access to a generous Local Government Pension Scheme, hybrid working, ongoing professional development opportunities, employee wellbeing support and a range of staff benefits and reward schemes.
Beyond the benefits, this is a rare opportunity to: Join a Finance function undergoing significant transformation and modernisation.
Be one of the key leaders shaping how financial planning operates in the future.
Work at a scale and complexity rarely found elsewhere in local government.
Influence strategic decisions with a direct impact on residents and communities across Birmingham.
Most importantly, this appointment offers the chance to modernise processes, strengthen capability and help shape the future of finance within Birmingham City Council.
Head of Financial Planning & Commercial in Birmingham employer: Hays
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StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Financial Planning & Commercial in Birmingham
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Hays. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Financial Planning & Commercial in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Hays.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Hays's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Hays.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Hays will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Hays employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
