Sellick Partnership
Head of Financial Planning and Business Partnering

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Permanent Opportunity
Local Government | Senior Finance Leadership
£63,280 to £75,805 plus service manager special allowance of £5,769
Are you an accomplished finance leader looking for an opportunity to shape the financial future of a forward-thinking local authority?
We are seeking an exceptional Head of Financial Planning & Business Partnering to lead the organisation's financial planning, budgeting and business partnering functions. Reporting directly to the Chief Finance Officer, you will play a pivotal role in delivering the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS), leading the annual budget-setting process, and providing high-quality financial advice to senior leaders and elected Members.
The Role
As Head of Financial Planning & Business Partnering, you will:
- Lead the annual revenue budget process from planning through to Council approval.
- Develop medium-term financial forecasts and support the delivery of the Medium Term Financial Strategy.
- Drive robust financial planning, budget monitoring and forecasting across all service areas.
- Lead and develop a high-performing team of Finance Business Partners, providing strategic financial support to directors and budget holders.
- Identify financial pressures, savings opportunities and service improvements to support organisational priorities.
- Oversee revenue budget monitoring, financial reporting and statutory returns.
- Lead the revenue closedown process and work closely with Corporate Finance colleagues to support the production of the Statement of Accounts and external audit.
- Build strong relationships with senior stakeholders, elected Members and external partners, providing clear financial insight to support informed decision-making.
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About You
We're looking for a strategic and collaborative finance professional who can demonstrate:
- A recognised professional accountancy qualification (ideally CIPFA, although other CCAB qualifications will be considered).
- Significant senior finance leadership experience within local government or a similarly complex public sector environment.
- Extensive knowledge of local authority budgeting, financial planning and financial management.
- Experience of leading Finance Business Partnering teams and influencing strategic decision-making.
- Strong leadership skills with the ability to develop, motivate and inspire high-performing teams.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, including experience of presenting to senior leadership teams and elected Members.
- Advanced analytical skills with the ability to translate complex financial information into clear, practical advice.


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Why Apply?
This is an outstanding opportunity to join a progressive finance leadership team where you'll have genuine influence over strategic financial planning and organisational performance. You'll play a key role in helping the authority navigate financial challenges while supporting the delivery of high-quality public services.
If you're a commercially minded finance leader with a passion for public service and strategic financial management, we'd love to hear from you.
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