Head of Financial Planning and Business Partnering

Head of Financial Planning & Business Partnering Salary: £63,280 - £75,805 per annum Location: Local Authority Hours: 37 hours per week Reporting to: Chief Finance Officer About the Role An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced finance professional to join a local authority as Head of Financial Planning & Business Partnering. This is a key leadership position responsible for leading the Council's financial planning, revenue budget setting process, medium-term financial strategy and Finance Business Partnering function. You will play a pivotal role in supporting strategic decision-making across the organisation, ensuring robust financial management, effective budget monitoring and the delivery of high-quality financial advice to senior managers and elected members. Key Responsibilities • Lead the annual revenue budget-setting process and Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) • Develop financial forecasts for all funding streams, including Council Tax and Business Rates • Coordinate the identification of budget pressures, efficiencies and savings opportunities • Lead the Council's Finance Business Partnering service, providing strategic financial support across all service areas • Manage revenue budget monitoring, forecasting and financial reporting processes • Support the closure of accounts process and contribute to the delivery of the annual financial statements and external audit • Ensure the timely completion of statutory financial returns and regulatory requirements • Build effective relationships with senior stakeholders, service directors and elected members to drive sound financial decision-making • Lead, develop and motivate a high-performing finance team About You To be successful in this role, you will have: • A recognised professional accountancy qualification, ideally CIPFA • Significant experience in a senior finance leadership role • Extensive experience of financial management within local government or a similarly complex organisation • Strong budget planning, forecasting and financial strategy experience • Excellent stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence senior leaders and elected members • Proven leadership experience, including developing and managing successful teams • Advanced Excel and financial systems knowledge Why Apply? This is an excellent opportunity to join a forward-thinking local authority in a senior leadership role, helping to shape financial strategy and deliver sustainable services for residents. You will work closely with senior officers and elected members, influencing key decisions and driving continuous improvement across the finance function