At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the finance team, driving strategic financial excellence and decision-making.
- Company: Join a dynamic council committed to financial governance and community impact.
- Benefits: Opportunity for career growth, professional development, and impactful leadership.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on continuous learning and development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in public finance while leading a talented team.
- Qualifications: Professional accountancy qualification and substantial experience in finance leadership.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced and talented individual to join our dynamic finance team in a leadership role. As the Head of Finance for Corporate, you will play a pivotal role in driving financial excellence and strategic decision making. The successful candidate will work closely with service Directors and elected Members and will require elevated levels of communication, influencing and negotiation skills, strong motivational abilities and the flexibility to deal with complex issues. A high level of tact, diplomacy and political awareness is also required, to enable effective working across organisational boundaries.
As the Head of Finance - Corporate, you will have a strategic role in leading the corporate aspects of the financial functions within the Council, including advisory and business partnering services and the technical areas such as statutory returns including annual Statement of Accounts, VAT, Treasury Management and Capital programme, amongst others. Your leadership will drive financial governance, performance management and effective resource allocation across the organisation.
Key Accountabilities for the role include:
- Provide strategic financial advice, analysis and guidance to senior management and stakeholders within the respective directorates.
- Lead financial planning, budgeting and forecasting processes within the Finance team, ensuring alignment with organisational objectives and priorities, giving direction and support to non-finance colleagues.
- Drive financial performance management, monitoring key financial metrics and identifying opportunities for improvement.
- Develop robust financial strategies and policies to support decision-making, risk management and long-term financial sustainability.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and implement effective financial systems, processes and controls.
- Manage relationships with external stakeholders, such as auditors, regulators and funding bodies.
- Lead and inspire a team of finance professionals, promoting a culture of continuous learning, development and high performance.
Requirements:
- A recognised professional accountancy qualification (e.g. CIPFA, ACA, ACCA, CIMA) or equivalent with substantial post-qualification experience in a senior finance leadership role.
- Proven experience in leading and managing finance functions within a complex arena.
- Demonstrated ability to provide strategic financial advice and support to senior stakeholders, driving financial performance and delivering value for money.
- Strong knowledge of financial management principles, budgeting, forecasting and financial reporting.
- Excellent leadership, communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and engage a wide range of stakeholders.
- Experience in managing and developing a high-performing finance team.
- A strategic mindset with the ability to think analytically, identify trends and make data-driven decisions.
- Knowledge of relevant legislation, regulations and best practices within the public sector finance arena.
Interviews to be held on 23rd July 2026. For more information regarding the role, please contact: danielkirwan@wirral.gov.uk.
As part of our Talent Strategy, we’re committed to strengthening opportunities for our people to learn, grow, progress and thrive. Please get in touch if you want to know more about some of the ways in which we could support you by emailing recruitment@wirral.gov.uk.
It is Council policy not to re-appoint any employee who has left under the terms of the Council's Early Voluntary Retirement (EVR) scheme or who have left with a voluntary severance (VS) package, unless in exceptional circumstances. Applications will be accepted until midday on the closing date. We reserve the right to close this vacancy earlier than the specified date should we receive sufficient applications. Applications can only be accepted through the Jobs page following registration. Forms received via the post will not be processed. All applicants invited to interview must evidence their right to work in the UK. Details of required documents can be found by clicking the link at the bottom of the Jobs page. The job description and other supporting documents will not be accessible once the vacancy closing date has passed so if a copy is required you should download it now.
Please apply online by clicking the link below.
Head of Finance - Corporate employer: Wirral Jobs Internal
Joining Wirral Council means becoming part of a dynamic team dedicated to making a real difference in the community. With a strong focus on employee wellbeing, professional development, and an inclusive culture, we offer a supportive environment where your contributions are valued. Enjoy benefits like flexible working arrangements, generous leave, and a commitment to recognising and rewarding your efforts as you help shape the future of education for children and young people in our area.
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We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance - Corporate
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