Head of Finance and Systems in London

The London Pensions Fund Authority is seeking an experienced leader to join the organisation as Head of Finance and Systems. This is a senior role with real breadth, combining financial leadership, Deputy Section 151 Officer responsibilities, systems improvement, governance and organisational assurance. It is an excellent opportunity for a qualified accountant who wants to operate at a strategic level while also shaping how finance systems, data and technology support a modern and resilient finance function.

The LPFA is a major public sector pensions organisation and the largest Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) fund in London. It exists to deliver a well‑run pension fund for its members and employers, with a strong focus on governance, stewardship, long‑term value and responsible investment. This is an organisation with a clear public purpose, a significant London profile and an important role in supporting members, employers and wider stakeholders. For the right candidate, it offers the chance to contribute to a specialist, high‑profile pensions body where strong financial management, effective systems and robust governance are central to success.

Reporting to the Director of Finance and Corporate Resources, who is also the Section 151 Officer, you will lead the Finance Team and act as Deputy Section 151 Officer for LPFA. You will be responsible for the delivery of a high‑quality finance and accountancy function, providing professional advice across the organisation and ensuring effective financial planning, management, reporting and control. A major part of the role is the systems agenda. You will ensure LPFA’s financial systems and IT software are used effectively to improve financial information, strengthen controls, support automation and drive business efficiency. You will also look at how system interfaces, reporting tools, data quality and finance processes can be improved to support better decision‑making. The role also includes responsibility for contract management of LPFA’s outsourced IT and security operations, including cyber security provision. This makes the position broader than a traditional finance leadership role, sitting at the intersection of finance, systems, governance, risk and organisational resilience.

Key areas of responsibility will include:

• Acting as Deputy Section 151 Officer.
• Leading and developing the Finance Team.
• Overseeing financial planning, reporting, control and assurance.
• Supporting statutory and professional financial requirements.
• Advising senior stakeholders on finance, governance and risk.
• Maximising the value of LPFA’s financial systems and IT software.
• Improving data quality, reporting, automation and system interfaces.
• Supporting treasury management, internal audit and financial governance.
• Managing outsourced IT, security operations and cyber security contracts.
• Driving continuous improvement and efficiency across finance processes.

We are looking for a fully qualified CCAB accountant, such as CIPFA, CIMA or ACCA, with strong technical finance expertise and a good understanding of the LGPS. You will bring experience of financial management, financial reporting, governance and control, alongside a strong interest in systems improvement. You will also have experience of financial software applications, an understanding of financial systems interfaces, and the ability to translate complex financial and systems information into clear insight for senior stakeholders.

This is a strong opportunity to join a purpose‑led public sector pensions organisation in a senior and visible role. At The LPFA, you will have the chance to make a meaningful contribution to the organisation’s financial resilience, systems capability and long‑term effectiveness. You will be joining an organisation where finance is not just about reporting numbers, but about enabling better decisions, stronger governance and improved outcomes for members and employers. For a finance leader who enjoys both technical financial management and systems‑led improvement, this role offers an excellent platform to influence change, lead a capable team and help shape the future of a significant London pensions organisation.