At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead corporate finance strategies and ensure financial sustainability for Southampton City Council.
- Company: Join the dynamic team at Southampton City Council, shaping the city's financial future.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holiday, flexible working, and health support.
- Other info: Enjoy excellent career growth opportunities and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on local governance and develop your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Significant corporate finance experience and strong leadership abilities required.
The predicted salary is between 76208 - 81715 € per year.
Join Southampton City Council to shape the city’s financial future. We have an exciting opportunity for a Head of Corporate Finance to join Southampton City Council’s Finance leadership team and play a key role in ensuring long‑term financial sustainability for local government in the city.
About The Team
You will lead the Corporate Finance function, working closely with the Director of Finance and other senior finance colleagues. The team provides strategic financial leadership covering corporate planning, the Medium‑Term Financial Strategy, capital strategy, treasury management, financial reporting, and governance.
About The Role
As Head of Corporate Finance, you will provide strategic leadership and assurance across the Council’s corporate financial framework. Key responsibilities include:
- Supporting the Director of Finance to lead the corporate financial planning process, including the Medium‑Term Financial Strategy, capital strategy, and treasury management strategy.
- Providing expert financial advice to the Director of Finance and Executive Director of Enabling Services and Section 151 Officer.
- Leading financial governance, statutory reporting, and compliance.
- Supporting the delivery of the finance improvement plan and driving financial transformation and continuous improvement in line with the Council’s transformation programme.
- Managing and developing senior finance professionals within the Corporate Finance team.
About You
Significant experience leading corporate finance activities in a complex organisation. Proven ability to influence senior stakeholders and provide high‑quality strategic financial advice. Strong leadership and people management skills, with experience developing high‑performing finance teams. Experience of financial governance, risk management, and statutory compliance. A qualified accountant with CCAB or CIMA membership.
What We Can Offer You
Salary: The salary band for this role is £76,208 -£81,715. The starting salary is £76,208 with annual progression through the salary bands.
- Excellent Death in service benefit of x3 salary, and optional salary sacrifice shared cost AVC (additional voluntary contribution).
- Generous holiday 25–31 days, based on role and service.
- Flexible working options (role‑dependent).
- Family‑friendly policies - Maternity, Paternity, Adoption, Shared/Unpaid Parental Leave, Time off for Dependents.
- Training and development, including coaching and mentoring.
- Health and wellbeing support - Employee Assistance Programme, Menopause Pledge, Mental Health First Aiders, and access to a variety of staff networks.
- Veteran‑friendly employer with the Armed Forces Covenant.
- Retail discounts and savings through the Southampton City Council benefits platform.
- Discounted memberships at local sports and fitness centres.
- Sustainable travel benefits - low emission car scheme, cycle to work, season ticket loans.
- Employee volunteering scheme with 2 paid days leave to volunteer.
Head of Corporate Finance in Southampton employer: Southampton City Council
Southampton City Council is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity for the Head of Corporate Finance to lead strategic financial initiatives that shape the city's future. With a strong commitment to employee development, flexible working options, and a supportive work culture, staff can thrive in their roles while contributing to meaningful community impact. The Council also prioritises health and wellbeing, providing comprehensive support and generous benefits, making it an attractive workplace for finance professionals seeking to make a difference.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Corporate Finance in Southampton
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the finance sector! Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Ace the Interview
Prepare for your interviews by researching Southampton City Council and understanding their financial strategies. We recommend practising common interview questions and having a few insightful questions ready to show your interest. Confidence is key, so let your passion for corporate finance shine through!
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a potential Head of Corporate Finance, you’ll need to demonstrate your leadership abilities. Share examples of how you’ve successfully managed teams or influenced stakeholders in the past. We want to see how you can drive financial transformation and inspire others!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage with us directly. Let’s get you on board to shape the city’s financial future together!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Corporate Finance in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in corporate finance. We want to see how your skills align with the key responsibilities mentioned in the job description.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a Head of Corporate Finance, strong leadership is crucial. Use your application to demonstrate your experience in managing teams and influencing senior stakeholders. We love seeing examples of how you've developed high-performing finance teams!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your achievements and experiences are easy to read and understand. Bullet points can help highlight your key skills!
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 this exciting opportunity at Southampton City Council.
How to prepare for a job interview at Southampton City Council
✨Know Your Numbers
As a candidate for the Head of Corporate Finance, you need to be well-versed in financial metrics and strategies. Brush up on key financial concepts like the Medium-Term Financial Strategy and capital management. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role requires strong leadership and people management skills. Prepare examples of how you've developed high-performing finance teams or influenced senior stakeholders. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Understand the Council's Vision
Familiarise yourself with Southampton City Council’s goals and challenges. Research their current financial strategies and any recent news. This will help you align your answers with their vision and demonstrate your commitment to their mission.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions about the Council’s financial governance and transformation plans. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.
