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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and drive innovation in a dynamic council environment.
- Company: Barking and Dagenham Council, committed to excellence and strong financial leadership.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, flexible working, and a focus on wellbeing and development.
- Why this job: Shape financial sustainability and make a real impact in your community.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified CCAB accountant with at least five years of experience.
- Other info: Join a diverse team dedicated to strategic innovation and collaboration.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
We are seeking an exceptional individual to lead our Financial Services team supporting the Housing, Environment and Communities directorate to drive financial sustainability, transformation and innovation. As Head of Financial Services, you will play a pivotal role in aligning financial strategy with corporate objectives, ensuring robust governance and delivering high-quality financial stewardship to secure value for money in services. You will lead on critical areas including the Housing Revenue Account (HRA), providing strategic oversight and assurance to senior leadership and elected Members.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead financial planning, forecasting and risk management to support sound decision-making and long-term sustainability.
- Provide strategic input into business planning and operating models to address emerging financial challenges.
- Lead the strategic financial oversight of the HRA, ensuring the 30-year business plan is robust and aligned with housing strategy, in collaboration with the Directors on investment priorities, rent policy and regeneration financing.
- Deliver accurate, transparent financial reporting and expert advice to senior leaders, elected Members and external stakeholders.
- Champion digital transformation and continuous improvement across systems and processes.
- Build strong relationships across the Council, fostering collaboration and financial literacy.
- Represent the Council in external negotiations and national finance networks.
This is a unique opportunity to lead a high-performing finance function at the heart of a forward-thinking Council. You will shape financial strategy, drive change and ensure we deliver for our communities with integrity and positive impact.
About you
To succeed in this senior leadership finance role, you will be a fully qualified CCAB accountant with a minimum of five years’ professional experience and an active member of a recognised accountancy body. You will bring deep expertise in local government finance, a thorough understanding of the legislative and political landscape, and proven ability to support the Section 151 Officer in fulfilling statutory responsibilities with confidence and precision. You will have a strong track record of delivering complex and high-impact financial processes, including year-end accounts, financial planning and budgetary control. Your specialist knowledge of Housing Revenue Account (HRA) business planning will be critical in shaping long-term financial strategies.
As a strategic advisor, you will be skilled in translating complex financial data into clear, actionable insights for senior managers and elected Members, enabling informed decision-making and driving service performance. You will have at least three years’ experience leading a high-performing finance team of five or more, with a demonstrable ability to stimulate continuous learning, shape effective delivery and elevate team performance. You will be a confident and credible communicator, capable of building trusted relationships across internal and external stakeholders. You will act as a strategic partner, challenging assumptions, holding others to account and influencing outcomes to deliver meaningful improvements in service delivery.
You will have a proven ability to overcome financial challenges and risks through strategic foresight, robust financial modelling and evidence-based scenario planning, ensuring resilience in volatile environments and supporting the Council’s long-term sustainability. Most importantly, you will bring vision, leadership and strategic insight, offering bold ideas and practical guidance to strengthen financial sustainability, lead transformation and deliver results that are visible, measurable and aligned with the Council’s long-term priorities.
About us
Barking and Dagenham Council is building a resilient, future-ready Finance Team committed to excellence and strong financial leadership. We are seeking skilled, ambitious professionals to join us in key roles within our Resources Directorate, a hub of strategic innovation. Our borough is proudly diverse, and we are dedicated to creating an inclusive environment where differences are respected and celebrated. We offer competitive pay, flexible working and a strong focus on wellbeing and development.
Head of Financial Services employer: London Borough of Barking and Dagenham
Contact Detail:
London Borough of Barking and Dagenham Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Financial Services
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the finance sector, especially those who work in local government. Attend events, join relevant online groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out for informational chats – you never know where a conversation might lead!
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! When you get the chance to meet potential employers or stakeholders, make sure to highlight your experience with Housing Revenue Accounts and financial planning. Share specific examples of how you've tackled challenges and delivered results – this will set you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job openings to pop up. Reach out directly to organisations you admire, like Barking and Dagenham Council, and express your interest in contributing to their financial strategy. A well-timed email can open doors that aren’t even on the market yet!
✨Tip Number 4
Keep learning and adapting! The finance landscape is always changing, so stay updated on the latest trends and technologies in financial services. Consider taking courses or attending workshops that focus on digital transformation and governance – it’ll show potential employers that you’re committed to continuous improvement.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Financial Services
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in local government finance and strategic oversight. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at Barking and Dagenham Council!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a Head of Financial Services, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead a high-performing team. Share examples of how you've motivated and developed your team in previous roles – we love to see that!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to explain your achievements and how they relate to the key responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at London Borough of Barking and Dagenham
✨Know Your Numbers
As a candidate for the Head of Financial Services, you need to be well-versed in financial metrics and local government finance. Brush up on key figures related to the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) and be prepared to discuss how you would approach financial planning and risk management.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role requires strong leadership capabilities. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've led high-performing finance teams in the past. Highlight your experience in fostering collaboration and continuous learning within your team to demonstrate your ability to elevate performance.
✨Understand the Bigger Picture
Make sure you can articulate how financial strategy aligns with corporate objectives. Prepare to discuss how you would provide strategic input into business planning and address emerging financial challenges, showcasing your ability to think long-term and strategically.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
As a strategic advisor, your communication skills are crucial. Practice translating complex financial data into clear insights. During the interview, aim to convey your ideas confidently, ensuring that you can engage effectively with senior leaders and elected Members.
