At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance operations, manage budgets, and support strategic financial decisions.
- Company: Local authority offering a dynamic finance environment.
- Benefits: Flexible 4-day work week, competitive salary, and annual bonus.
- Other info: Great opportunity for career growth in a supportive team.
- Why this job: Step into a senior role and make a real impact in local government finance.
- Qualifications: Professional accountancy qualification and significant senior-level finance experience.
The predicted salary is between 44000 - 55000 £ per year.
Assistant Head of Finance
Working Pattern: 4 days per week / 30 hours
Salary: £55,000 FTE (circa £44,000 pro rata) plus Annual Reward Bonus
Contract: Fixed-term / Interim opportunity
About the Role
A UK based local authority is seeking an experienced Assistant Head of Finance to provide senior operational leadership across a broad finance function.
The successful candidate will support the Head of Finance in the effective management and continuous improvement of financial services
This is a senior role suited to an experienced local government finance professional who can provide strong technical oversight while also leading teams, managing performance and supporting strategic financial decision-making.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and oversee significant elements of the annual budget-setting process, budget consultation and Medium-Term Financial Plan.
- Provide financial advice, briefings and presentations to senior leaders and elected Members.
- Develop and maintain financial policies, procedures, controls and guidance, ensuring compliance with legislation and professional standards.
- Oversee internal and external audit activity, ensuring agreed actions are delivered within required timescales.
- Maintain robust controls around statutory compliance, financial risk, fraud prevention, data protection and governance.
- Monitor and analyse key financial performance information, including budgets, forecasts, reserves, capital and revenue expenditure, collection rates, arrears and service KPIs.
- Provide leadership across multidisciplinary finance teams, supporting performance, development, workload management and service resilience.
You should have
- A recognised professional accountancy qualification such as CIPFA, CCAB, ACCA or equivalent.
- Significant senior-level experience across accountancy, financial management, revenues, benefits, audit or a related discipline.
- Strong knowledge of financial management, budget monitoring, forecasting, financial reporting, year-end close and statutory accounts.
- Experience working with financial governance, audit requirements, financial regulations and relevant accounting standards.
- Strong understanding of financial controls, risk management and statutory compliance.
- Experience using financial data, KPIs and reporting to support strategic decision-making.
Experience of finance systems, digital transformation and automation would be advantageous.
Why Apply?
This is an opportunity to take on a senior finance leadership position within a local authority environment, providing both operational management and strategic support across a diverse finance service.
The role would suit an experienced Deputy Head of Finance, Assistant Director of Finance, Assistant Head of Finance, Principal Accountant or senior local government finance professional looking for a flexible four-day-a-week opportunity.
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Assistant Head Of Finance in Hounslow employer: VennGroup
As an Interim SEND Lead in London, you will be part of a dynamic and collaborative work culture that prioritises the well-being and development of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities. The role offers significant opportunities for professional growth, allowing you to lead strategic initiatives and work closely with diverse partners across education, health, and social care. With a focus on inclusivity and continuous improvement, this position not only impacts the local community but also provides a rewarding experience in a vibrant city known for its commitment to education and support services.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Head Of Finance in Hounslow
✨Join Financial Networking Events
Jump into local finance meetups and conferences — they’re a goldmine for temporary roles in banking and financial services. You can chat with industry professionals and even get leads on upcoming opportunities that might not be posted online yet.
✨Utilise Temp Agencies Specialised in Finance
Reach out to temp agencies that focus on the banking sector. They often have strong ties with various firms and can help you secure short-term gigs that can help beef up your CV and get your foot in the door at firms like VennGroup.
✨Connect with Alumni from Your Uni
Don't underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network. Many former students are working in banking and can help you find temporary roles or even offer mentorship. Reach out directly or attend alumni events to broaden your circle.
✨Stay Active on Job Boards and Company Websites
Keep your eyes peeled on job boards specifically for finance roles. Companies like VennGroup might post temporary positions directly on their sites, so make sure to apply there too. Set alerts to catch those roles the moment they go live!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Head Of Finance in Hounslow
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Academic Achievements:In banking and financial services, your academic record can really make you stand out. List relevant grades, certifications, or coursework on your CV, especially if you've taken finance-related modules. This is particularly important for a temporary role where qualifications can help you shine even brighter!
Highlight Relevant Experience:If you’ve done any internships, part-time roles, or even coursework that aligns with banking or finance, make sure you include those! Showcase specific tasks where you used quantitative skills or analytical thinking, as this is what the hiring managers at VennGroup will be keen to see in your application.
Tailor Your Cover Letter Purposefully:When writing your cover letter, focus on why you’re interested in a temporary position at VennGroup. Let them know how you can quickly adapt to the team's needs and how eager you are to learn the ropes of the banking sector during this short stint. Your motivation and enthusiasm could really set you apart!
Be Prepared with References:For temporary roles, references can play a crucial role in your application. Make sure you’ve got a couple of references lined up who can vouch for your skills and work ethic. This helps to give VennGroup confidence in your short-term commitment to the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at VennGroup
✨Brush Up on Financial Regulations
Since this is a role in banking and financial services, be ready to discuss key regulations like MiFID, Basel III, or GDPR. These are hot topics, and your awareness of how they impact daily operations can give you a significant edge during your interview with VennGroup.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare for interview questions that assess your analytical abilities. You might need to tackle hypothetical scenarios involving risk assessment or financial forecasting. Bringing examples of relevant projects or coursework can emphasise your practical understanding of these concepts.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
For a temporary role, showing that you can quickly pick up new processes and tools is crucial. Be ready to discuss previous experiences where you had to adapt to changing requirements or tight deadlines, as this will reassure VennGroup that you’re a reliable team player.
✨Demonstrate a Willingness to Learn
In a temporary position, leaning into your eagerness to learn can really set you apart. Be prepared to share how you’re staying updated on industry trends or any additional training you've pursued. Employers appreciate candidates who are proactive about their development—even for short-term roles.
