Job Introduction
Medway Council is seeking an experienced and forward‑thinking Head of Financial Planning and Business Partnering to lead a high‑performing team of around 25 accounting and financial systems professionals. This pivotal leadership role will drive the coordination and delivery of the Council's annual revenue budget process, ensuring robust financial planning and stewardship across the organisation.
As a key member of the finance team, you will champion a proactive and customer‑focused finance business partnering service, providing strategic financial advice and insight that supports informed decision‑making and helps deliver Medway's priorities.
Strategic Responsibilities
- Strategic Planning: Prepare and report on the Council's medium term financial projections and prepare the annual budget report for Council.
- Project management: Coordinate the process, working with services, to set a balanced budget.
- Preparing reports: Coordinate and produce comprehensive monitoring reports in accordance with the agreed timescales.
- Stakeholder engagement: Collaborate with the full range of internal stakeholders, including Members, Corporate Management Team and other senior managers.
- Relationship building: Report confidently to Members and Council colleagues through directorate management teams, oversight boards and overview and scrutiny committees.
Qualifications and Experience
Applicants must possess a relevant professional accountancy qualification in a relevant organisation, preferably CIPFA. Must be able to demonstrate significant experience of working at a senior level within a local government finance setting. The role requires a highly motivated, experienced and qualified Head of Service, with excellent communication and people management skills, a good eye for attention to detail and accuracy, and the ability to lead a team through change.
Benefits and Compensation
- Generous annual leave entitlement
- Generous local government pension scheme package
- Access to wider training and development qualifications
- Flexible working scheme
- Travel plan discounts
- Car Benefit Scheme from Tusker
- Access to CAREFIRST advice & counselling service
- Employee discount scheme for national and local retailers
- The Government has introduced new ways of supporting parents with childcare costs. Further details are available here: https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/
Important Information
- Applicants must be able to demonstrate all criteria at level A which are essential for appointment to the role.
- Medway Council is not able to provide a Certificate of Sponsorship, so candidates must already possess the right to work in the UK.
- For further information, and for details of the benefits of working for Medway Council, please refer to the Medway information pack available as a download or to view online.
- Please be advised that if you are not contacted within 3 weeks of the advert closing date then you have not been shortlisted. All recruitment correspondence, including interview letters and contracts of employment will usually be sent out via email.
- We reserve the right to close this vacancy at any time prior to the closing date.
Our Organisation
Medway is a unitary authority in the South East of England, comprising the towns of Strood, Rochester, Chatham, Gillingham and Rainham, and rural areas including the Hoo Peninsula. Medway Council provides all local government services for a quarter of a million people, including education, environment, social care, housing, planning, business and many other services.
Working at Medway Council means you will be part of a journey alongside talented, professional colleagues to drive forward change and transform the lives of residents and communities.
Additional Information
Interview dates: 31 July 2026.
We are committed to making Medway carbon neutral by 2050. All staff have access to an additional day’s paid leave to undertake a volunteering activity supporting climate change.
For information on mental health support, visit http://www.mindfulemployer.net/.
Head of Financial Planning & Business Partnering in Pembroke Dock employer: Medway Council
Join our dedicated Children in Care Team in Medway, where we prioritise the well-being of children and families. As an employer, we offer competitive salaries, generous annual leave, and a supportive work culture that fosters professional growth through ongoing training and development. With hybrid working options and a strong commitment to employee welfare, we ensure that you can thrive both personally and professionally while making a meaningful impact in the community.
