At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a high-performing finance team and drive strategic financial decisions.
- Company: Join Wiltshire Council, committed to community impact and financial sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a collaborative work culture.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and influence within a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in shaping financial strategy and governance.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in finance and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 64844 - 68987 £ per year.
Salary: £64,844 - £68,987 per annum
Hours per week: 37 hours
Interview date: To be confirmed following shortlisting
Do you thrive on solving complex challenges and influencing strategic decisions? As a Head of Finance, you will provide inspiring leadership to a high-performing team while driving continuous improvement and value for money across the Council. This is a key role where your expertise will shape financial strategy, ensuring strong governance, effective controls, and impactful outcomes for communities.
The finance team manages and develops the council’s financial records, including budgets, accounts, and government reporting. They support services with financial advice, analysis, and monitoring, ensure decisions align with available funds and governance rules, and represent the council in meetings with senior stakeholders while maintaining accurate financial systems and controls.
You will lead the team responsible for financial records, budget setting and monitoring, Statement of Accounts production, and statutory returns. Working closely with budget holders and service leaders, you’ll deliver clear financial insight, enabling informed decision-making and strong financial stewardship. As a trusted advisor to senior stakeholders, including the Corporate Director and Director of Finance, you will support short, medium, and long-term planning, and ensure that appropriate actions as directed by the CFO to manage and set budgets are taken.
Beyond technical delivery, you will build strong relationships with senior leaders, Members, and external partners, confidently navigating complex and sometimes challenging environments. You will champion professional development, foster a collaborative culture, and play a leading role in driving organisational change. This is an opportunity to make a real impact, influencing strategic direction while ensuring financial sustainability and high-quality services.
If you are ready to lead, influence, and make a lasting difference, we would love to hear from you - apply today and help shape the future of our organisation.
Contact Details: Sarah Higgins, Director of Finance and Procurement, sarah.higgins@wiltshire.gov.uk
Please ensure to regularly check your spam or junk folder for any communication from us regarding the status of your application.
Application Criteria: Please download and read the role description and person specification carefully before you apply.
We understand that AI tools can support you in preparing job applications. However, we value authenticity and would encourage you to ensure your submission genuinely reflects your own experiences, skills, and motivations.
We are firmly committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and to the principles of inclusion and diversity in both employment and the delivery of services.
Statement of commitment to equality and inclusion: Disability Confident Employer.
Application process: Wiltshire Council does not accept unsolicited CVs or candidate details from recruitment agencies that are not appointed under a current, valid contract or approved supplier arrangement (including through our neutral vendor, Comensura). Submission of unsolicited CVs or candidate details to the Council, whether directly or to individual employees, will not be considered as an introduction and will not create any obligation on the Council to pay any fees. If a candidate whose details have been submitted speculatively is subsequently appointed through a compliant route, no agency fee will be payable in respect of the unsolicited submission. Agencies wishing to work with the Council must do so only via our approved procurement processes and neutral vendor arrangements.
Head of Finance employer: Wiltshire
At Wiltshire Council, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values leadership, collaboration, and professional growth. As the Head of Finance, you will not only lead a dedicated team but also play a pivotal role in shaping financial strategies that directly impact our communities. With a commitment to inclusion and diversity, we foster a supportive work culture that encourages continuous improvement and offers ample opportunities for career advancement in a dynamic environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance
✨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 Wiltshire. 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 Finance
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 Wiltshire.
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 Wiltshire'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 Wiltshire
✨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 Wiltshire.
✨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 Wiltshire 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 Wiltshire 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.
