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- Tasks: Lead financial planning and budgeting for Woking Borough Council, shaping its financial future.
- Company: Join Woking Borough Council, a forward-thinking local authority dedicated to innovation and community service.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, professional development, and discounts at local businesses.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on financial strategy while working in an inclusive and supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Proven financial leadership experience, strong planning skills, and a professional accounting qualification required.
- Other info: Opportunity to lead a team and promote equality, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace.
The predicted salary is between 57000 - 76000 £ per year.
Your new company Woking Borough Council is a forward-thinking local authority committed to delivering high-quality services and driving positive change for its residents. We are proud of our inclusive culture and dedication to continuous improvement, innovation, and financial sustainability.
Your new role As the Head of Finance Business Partnering, you will lead the coordination of the Council's corporate financial planning activities. You will work closely with Business Partners to ensure robust financial management across all departments, overseeing budget setting, monitoring, and year-end processes. Your role will focus on developing forward-looking financial strategies, providing expert financial modelling and scenario planning, and ensuring alignment with the Council's strategic objectives. You will also lead a team of finance professionals, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous development.
What you'll need to succeed To be successful in this role, you will need:
- Proven experience in financial leadership within a complex organisation, ideally in the public sector.
- Strong expertise in financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and reporting.
- Demonstrated ability to lead and develop high-performing teams.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with a collaborative and strategic mindset.
- A professional accounting qualification (e.g., CIPFA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent).
- A commitment to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace.
What you'll get in return In return, you will join a supportive and inclusive organisation that values your expertise and encourages professional growth. You will have the opportunity to make a significant impact on the Council's financial strategy and service delivery. Woking Borough Council also offers:
- Opportunities for flexible and hybrid working.
- A strong commitment to your professional development.
- A workplace that values diversity and actively works to eliminate discrimination and disadvantage.
- A competitive salary and benefits package.
- 23 days + Bank Holidays, increasing to 28 after 5 years.
- Generous annual leave entitlement plus bank holidays.
- Flexi-time scheme with the ability to take two flexi days a month.
- Two volunteering days per year in Woking.
- Flexible and agile working arrangements.
- Comprehensive learning and development programme.
- Discounts on a range of local shops, restaurants, gyms and leisure centres.
- Interest-free season ticket loans.
- Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Cycle to work scheme.
- Free eye tests and contribution towards glasses.
- Confidential wellbeing and counselling support.
- Subsidised gym membership.
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now. If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.
Contact Detail:
Hays Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance Business Partnering (Woking)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Woking Borough Council's financial strategies and recent initiatives. Understanding their current projects and challenges will help you demonstrate your knowledge during discussions and show how you can contribute to their goals.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the public sector, especially those involved in finance. Attend relevant events or webinars where you can connect with individuals who may provide insights into the role and the council's culture.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and experiences in developing high-performing teams. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've fostered collaboration and innovation in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Highlight your commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion in your conversations. Be prepared to discuss how you have promoted these values in your previous positions, as they are a key focus for Woking Borough Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance Business Partnering (Woking)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your financial leadership experience, particularly in complex organisations and the public sector. Emphasise your expertise in financial planning, budgeting, and team leadership.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your understanding of Woking Borough Council's goals and how your skills align with their strategic objectives. Mention your commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly state your professional accounting qualifications (CIPFA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent) in your application. This is crucial for demonstrating your suitability for the role.
Showcase Leadership Skills: Provide examples of how you have successfully led and developed high-performing teams in your previous roles. Use specific metrics or outcomes to illustrate your impact.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays
✨Showcase Your Financial Leadership Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous roles in financial leadership, especially within complex organisations. Highlight specific examples where you successfully managed budgets, led teams, or implemented financial strategies that align with organisational goals.
✨Demonstrate Stakeholder Management Skills
Woking Borough Council values collaboration and communication. Prepare to share instances where you've effectively engaged with stakeholders, resolved conflicts, or facilitated discussions that led to positive outcomes in financial planning.
✨Emphasise Your Commitment to Inclusion
Given the Council's dedication to equality, diversity, and inclusion, be ready to discuss how you've promoted these values in your previous roles. Share examples of how you've fostered an inclusive environment within your teams.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your ability to think strategically and develop forward-looking financial models. Practice articulating your thought process in scenario planning and how you would approach financial challenges specific to a local authority.