At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial planning and budgeting for a forward-thinking local authority.
- Company: Join a progressive finance leadership team in local government.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, service manager special allowance, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Inclusive recruitment process welcoming candidates from all backgrounds.
- Why this job: Shape the financial future and make a real impact on public services.
- Qualifications: Professional accountancy qualification and senior finance leadership experience required.
Permanent Opportunity Local Government | Senior Finance Leadership £63,280 to £75,805 plus service manager special allowance of £5,769
Are you an accomplished finance leader looking for an opportunity to shape the financial future of a forward-thinking local authority? We are seeking an exceptional Head of Financial Planning & Business Partnering to lead the organisation's financial planning, budgeting and business partnering functions. Reporting directly to the Chief Finance Officer, you will play a pivotal role in delivering the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS), leading the annual budget-setting process, and providing high-quality financial advice to senior leaders and elected Members.
The Role
- Lead the annual revenue budget process from planning through to Council approval.
- Develop medium-term financial forecasts and support the delivery of the Medium Term Financial Strategy.
- Drive robust financial planning, budget monitoring and forecasting across all service areas.
- Lead and develop a high-performing team of Finance Business Partners, providing strategic financial support to directors and budget holders.
- Identify financial pressures, savings opportunities and service improvements to support organisational priorities.
- Oversee revenue budget monitoring, financial reporting and statutory returns.
- Lead the revenue closedown process and work closely with Corporate Finance colleagues to support the production of the Statement of Accounts and external audit.
- Build strong relationships with senior stakeholders, elected Members and external partners, providing clear financial insight to support informed decision-making.
About You
We're looking for a strategic and collaborative finance professional who can demonstrate:
- A recognised professional accountancy qualification (ideally CIPFA, although other CCAB qualifications will be considered).
- Significant senior finance leadership experience within local government or a similarly complex public sector environment.
- Extensive knowledge of local authority budgeting, financial planning and financial management.
- Experience of leading Finance Business Partnering teams and influencing strategic decision-making.
- Strong leadership skills with the ability to develop, motivate and inspire high-performing teams.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, including experience of presenting to senior leadership teams and elected Members.
- Advanced analytical skills with the ability to translate complex financial information into clear, practical advice.
Why Apply?
This is an outstanding opportunity to join a progressive finance leadership team where you'll have genuine influence over strategic financial planning and organisational performance. You'll play a key role in helping the authority navigate financial challenges while supporting the delivery of high-quality public services.
If you're a commercially minded finance leader with a passion for public service and strategic financial management, we'd love to hear from you.
Sellick Partnership is proud to be an inclusive and accessible recruitment business and we support applications from candidates of all backgrounds and circumstances.
Head of Financial Planning and Business Partnering employer: Sellick Partnership
At Sellick Partnership, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that values community engagement and employee growth. As a Mobile Caretaker in Nottinghamshire, you'll enjoy the benefits of a company van, competitive pay, and the opportunity to make a tangible difference in local neighbourhoods while working alongside a dedicated housing team. We foster an inclusive environment where every team member can thrive and contribute to creating safe, clean, and well-managed communities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Financial Planning and Business Partnering
✨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 Sellick Partnership. 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 and Business Partnering
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 Sellick Partnership.
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 Sellick Partnership'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 Sellick Partnership
✨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 Sellick Partnership.
✨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 Sellick Partnership 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 Sellick Partnership 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.
