Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
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 in London 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 in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the financial services sector. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential colleagues on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the Council's recent projects and financial strategies. Show us you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate your understanding of our goals and how you can contribute to them. Tailor your responses to highlight your experience with HRA and strategic financial oversight.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You’ll want to clearly articulate your vision for financial sustainability and transformation. Think about how you can present complex financial data in a way that’s easy to understand for senior leaders and elected Members. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in being part of our forward-thinking team at Barking and Dagenham Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Financial Services in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that align with the Head of Financial Services role. Highlight your expertise in local government finance and any relevant leadership experience to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role, showcasing your strategic insight and vision for financial sustainability. Don’t forget to mention how you can contribute to our team’s goals.
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your past roles, focus on quantifiable achievements. Whether it's successful financial planning or leading a high-performing team, we want to see how you've made an impact in your previous positions.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you’re serious about joining our forward-thinking Council!
How to prepare for a job interview at London Borough of Barking and Dagenham
✨Know Your Financial Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of local government finance, especially around the Housing Revenue Account (HRA). Be ready to discuss how you’ve tackled financial challenges in the past and how your expertise can align with the Council's objectives.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience leading high-performing finance teams. Think about how you've stimulated continuous learning and improved team performance, as this will be crucial for the role.
✨Be a Strategic Thinker
Demonstrate your ability to translate complex financial data into actionable insights. Prepare to discuss how you’ve contributed to strategic planning and decision-making in previous roles, particularly in relation to long-term sustainability.
✨Build Relationships
Think about how you’ve fostered collaboration and built trusted relationships with stakeholders. Be ready to share specific examples of how you’ve represented your organisation in negotiations or external networks, as this will show your credibility and communication skills.