Head of Financial Planning in England

Head of Financial Planning in England

England Full-Time 63280 - 75805 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a dynamic finance team and drive strategic financial planning.
  • Company: Progressive local government organisation with a focus on innovation.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Join a supportive environment that values leadership and continuous improvement.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in shaping financial strategies and driving change.
  • Qualifications: Professional accountancy qualification and extensive finance experience required.

The predicted salary is between 63280 - 75805 £ per year.

Location: Hybrid Medway (part office-based, part home working)

Salary: £63,280 - £75,805 per annum, plus Service Manager Allowance of £5,769 per annum

Contract: Permanent

Hours: 37 hours per week

Interview Date: 31 July 2026

Applicants must hold a relevant professional accountancy qualification, preferably CIPFA.

About the Role

Our client is seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Head of Financial Planning to lead a high-performing team of approximately 25 finance and financial systems professionals. This is a pivotal senior leadership role responsible for coordinating and delivering the annual revenue budget process, driving robust financial planning, and providing strategic financial advice across the organisation. As a key member of the finance leadership team, you will champion a proactive, customer-focused business partnering approach, supporting informed decision-making and ensuring strong financial stewardship. This is an exciting opportunity to influence strategic direction within a complex and evolving local government environment.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead the annual revenue budget process and medium-term financial planning.
  • Coordinate balanced budget setting, identifying savings opportunities and managing financial pressures.
  • Produce and present comprehensive budget and financial monitoring reports.
  • Lead the Finance Business Partnering function, ensuring high-quality support across all revenue services.
  • Oversee revenue budget monitoring, forecasting, and statutory financial returns.
  • Support the closure of accounts process and external audit requirements.
  • Build strong relationships with senior stakeholders, elected members, and leadership teams.
  • Lead, motivate, and develop teams through organisational change and continuous improvement.

About You

  • Qualified accountant with significant senior-level finance experience within local government.
  • Strong strategic planning, budgeting, and financial management expertise.
  • Excellent leadership, stakeholder engagement, and communication skills.
  • Proven ability to drive change, influence decision-makers, and lead high-performing teams.
  • Highly motivated with strong attention to detail, accuracy, and service delivery.
  • Experienced in leading teams through transformation and organisational change.

This is an outstanding opportunity to make a significant impact within a progressive and ambitious organisation.

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Contact Details:

Morgan Jones Recruitment Consultants Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Financial Planning in England

Tap into Campus Networks

If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.

Get Certified

Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.

Connect on Professional Platforms

Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.

Apply Directly and Be Proactive

Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Morgan Jones Recruitment Consultants. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Financial Planning in England

Professional Accountancy Qualification (CIPFA preferred)
Financial Planning
Budgeting
Financial Management
Leadership Skills
Stakeholder Engagement
Communication Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.

Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Morgan Jones Recruitment Consultants.

Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.

Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Morgan Jones Recruitment Consultants's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Morgan Jones Recruitment Consultants

Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills

Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Morgan Jones Recruitment Consultants.

Prepare for Case Studies

Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.

Show Your Passion for Finance

Since this is a full-time position, employers at Morgan Jones Recruitment Consultants will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.

Network with Industry Professionals

Before your interview, reach out to current or former Morgan Jones Recruitment Consultants employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.