Head of Strategic Finance

Head of Strategic Finance

£75k to £85k | Permanent | Local Authority | West Midlands

Lead finance that shapes public services, grows your influence, and accelerates your leadership career.

We’re looking for a Head of Strategic Finance to join a large local authority in the West Midlands. This is a rare opportunity to lead a high-performing finance function, influence key strategic decisions, and develop the skills and visibility to move into Director-level roles. You’ll take ownership of the Finance Business Partnering function, work closely with senior leaders and elected Members, and help embed financial insight at the heart of the organisation.

Why this role will accelerate your career:

• Build influence from day one – you’ll advise senior leaders and elected Members, shaping policy, transformation, and major organisational decisions.
• Lead and develop a team – mentor and grow high-performing Finance Business Partners, strengthening your people leadership skills.
• Drive meaningful transformation – improve systems, processes, and financial governance to make the organisation more efficient and impactful.
• Expand your strategic exposure - gain experience across budgets, reporting, service planning, and organisational performance.
• Position yourself for senior leadership – develop the breadth, visibility, and credibility needed for future Director-level opportunities.

What you’ll do – and what you’ll gain:

• Lead the Finance Business Partnering service, delivering high-quality strategic, commercial, and financial advice across all areas.
• Build financial capability across the organisation, supporting managers to take ownership and make informed decisions.
• Provide assurance over in-year financial performance, identifying risks, pressures, and opportunities before they become issues.
• Lead revenue and capital budget monitoring, reporting, and governance, helping services optimise resources and deliver savings.
• Act as a key advisor on policy development, service transformation, and delivery of the corporate plan.
• Lead and inspire your team, fostering collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.

What you’ll need:

• Full CCAB or equivalent accountancy qualification.
• Proven experience in a senior finance business partnering role within a large and complex organisation.
• Strong expertise in budgeting, financial reporting, and medium-term financial planning.
• Ability to influence and challenge senior leaders and elected Members with confidence.
• Collaborative leadership style with experience of developing high-performing teams.
• Local government experience is essential.

Location & Benefits:

• Generous pension scheme with employer contributions above 15%.
• 30+ days annual leave, plus bank holidays.
• Hybrid working and flexible arrangements for a better work-life balance.

Ready to make your mark?

This is a rare chance to lead strategic finance at scale, influence high-level decisions, and accelerate your leadership career. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so early submission is encouraged.