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- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and provide insights to support decision-making across the organisation.
- Company: Join the London Borough of Harrow, a dynamic public-sector organisation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, benefits package, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Promote equality and diversity while leading high-performing teams.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on public services and drive financial excellence in your community.
- Qualifications: CCAB qualified with extensive senior-level finance experience in public sector.
The predicted salary is between 81375 - 98937 ÂŁ per year.
The London Borough of Harrow is appointing five Heads of Finance to provide strong, visible financial leadership across its Directorates. These roles sit at the heart of the organisation, acting as strategic partners to Directors, the Corporate Leadership Team and elected Members, and supporting effective decision‑making, financial resilience and value for money across significant revenue and capital budgets.
Working closely with their allocated Directorates, the Heads of Finance provide clear, practical financial and commercial insight, positively challenge assumptions, and ensure high standards of governance and assurance in line with the Council’s Section 151 responsibilities. Beyond stewardship, the roles support transformation and continuous improvement, building financial capability, leading high‑performing teams and enabling Directorates to deliver sustainable, high‑quality services aligned to Harrow’s long‑term ambitions.
About You
- CCAB qualified (ideally CIPFA) with a strong commitment to continuing professional development.
- Extensive senior‑level finance experience within a large, complex public‑sector organisation, ideally local government.
- In‑depth knowledge of public‑sector finance, accounting standards, funding arrangements and the legislative environment.
- Proven ability to provide strategic, long‑term financial advice and constructive challenge at senior and political level.
- Strong experience of the annual financial cycle, budget planning and financial monitoring.
- Advanced financial and technical skills, including business cases, financial modelling, options appraisal, capital investment appraisal and risk analysis.
- Excellent communication and influencing skills, with the ability to present complex financial information clearly to Members and senior officers.
- Demonstrable track record of driving service improvement, productivity, cost reduction and continuous improvement.
- Strong leadership, relationship‑building and collaboration skills, with experience of leading complex projects and supporting organisational transformation.
- Politically astute, with advanced Microsoft Office skills and up‑to‑date knowledge of public‑sector accounting best practice.
London Borough of Harrow is committed to delivering equality of opportunity in service provision. All staff are expected to promote equality in the workplace and in the services the Council delivers. All sections of the population will have equal access to jobs at the London Borough of Harrow. No applicant or employee will receive less favourable treatment because of age, disability, gender, reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy, or maternity unless a Genuine Occupational Qualification applies. We value diversity and welcome applications from all backgrounds.
Head of Finance employer: London Borough Of Harrow
Contact Detail:
London Borough Of Harrow Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who have experience in local government. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your financial knowledge and current trends in public-sector finance. We recommend practising common interview questions and scenarios that might come up, so you can showcase your strategic insight confidently.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, send a thank-you email to express your appreciation and reiterate your interest in the role. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance at landing that Head of Finance role. We make it easy for you to showcase your skills and experience directly to the hiring team, so don’t miss out!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in public-sector finance. We want to see how your skills align with the specific requirements of the Head of Finance role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your strategic insight and leadership abilities!
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on quantifiable achievements that demonstrate your impact in previous roles. We love numbers, so if you’ve driven cost reductions or improved financial processes, make sure to include those stats to grab our attention!
Be Clear and Concise: We appreciate clarity! Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. Present your complex financial insights in a way that’s easy to understand, especially since you’ll be communicating with senior officers and Members who may not have a finance background.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it helps us keep everything organised and efficient!
How to prepare for a job interview at London Borough Of Harrow
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Head of Finance, you’ll need to demonstrate your financial expertise. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've used them to drive decision-making in previous roles. This shows you’re not just familiar with numbers but can leverage them strategically.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience, especially in complex projects. Think about times when you’ve led teams through financial transformations or improvements. This will help the interviewers see you as a strong candidate who can inspire and guide others.
✨Understand the Local Government Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges and opportunities facing local government finance. Be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with these issues and how you can contribute to Harrow’s long-term ambitions. This shows you’re not just applying for any job, but you’re genuinely interested in this role.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
You’ll need to present complex financial information to various stakeholders. Practice explaining financial concepts in simple terms. This will demonstrate your communication skills and ability to influence decisions at all levels, which is crucial for this role.