At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and budget management for Lewisham Council.
- Company: Join Lewisham Council, a champion of diversity and community support.
- Benefits: Generous holidays, pension scheme, flexible working, and staff discounts.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with excellent training and development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a vibrant community while advancing your finance career.
- Qualifications: CCAB qualification and extensive local government finance knowledge required.
The predicted salary is between 96864 - 103074 £ per year.
Discover yourself in Lewisham where what you do makes a difference to our vibrant and culturally diverse communities! We have a rich history of welcoming people from all over the world and are proud to be recognised as the UK’s first Borough of Sanctuary, for our work in championing the rights of refugees and migrants.
A Head of Service Finance at Lewisham Council delivers high-level strategic business and financial advice to senior leaders. They help the council meet its corporate goals, manage budgets, and build strong financial plans.
What’s the role?
- Coordinate the budget monitoring and reporting for the council
- Give expert financial and business advice to senior managers and directors
- Help create and manage budgets and financial strategies
- Experience of working with the DSG, HRA and social care budgets
- Support business cases for new projects
What’s in it for you?
- Excellent training and development opportunities, plus a range of benefits including:
- Generous holiday allowance
- Local Government Pension scheme
- Flexible working and family friendly policies
- Season ticket and bicycle loans
- A range of staff discounts including local subsidised gym memberships
- Supportive staff networks
What we’re looking for
As the Head of Service Finance, you will provide high-quality financial advice, insight, and challenge to support effective decision-making and sustainable service delivery. You will lead on budget monitoring, forecasting, and financial planning, ensuring financial information is accurate, timely, and meaningful. Working closely with senior leaders, you will build strong relationships, identify financial risks and opportunities, support the delivery of savings and transformation programmes, and help ensure resources are used effectively to achieve the best possible outcomes for Lewisham Council.
Location
The job is primarily based in Laurence House, but we operate a hybrid approach where you will be required to work both in the office and from home on a regular basis.
Special conditions
- Relevant CCAB qualification is needed
- Some evening meeting attendance will be needed
- Extensive knowledge of local government finance including social care, HRA and DSG
The recruitment process is anonymous and we don’t accept CVs. It is essential that you complete the application fully and that your supporting statement covers how you meet each of the person specification criteria listed.
If you require any reasonable adjustments in the application or interview, please contact the lead contact on this advert. We will make reasonable adjustments to make sure our disabled applicants and those with health conditions are supported throughout our recruitment process.
Diversity Lewisham Council is a Disability Confident employer. We welcome and encourage job applications of all abilities.
Head of Service Finance in London employer: Lewisham
This welcoming and inclusive secondary school in Lewisham is an excellent employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive environment for both students and staff. With a strong focus on professional development, competitive salaries, and a collaborative culture, the school prioritises employee growth and wellbeing, making it an ideal place for those passionate about education and supporting young people with additional learning needs.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Service Finance in London
✨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.
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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.
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Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Lewisham. 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 Service Finance in London
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 Lewisham.
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 Lewisham'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 Lewisham
✨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 Lewisham.
✨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 Lewisham 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 Lewisham 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.
