Hays
Interim Head of Financial Planning
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A fantastic opportunity has been registered for an Interim Head of Financial Planning (MTFP) within a Local Government Authority based in the West Midlands. This role offers the chance to shape and influence the financial future of a major council, reporting directly to the Director of Finance and acting as a trusted advisor to Members, the Corporate Leadership Team, and Directorate Heads of Finance.
Your new role
Your role as Interim Head of Financial Planning (MTFP), you will play a central role in shaping how financial resources are managed across all areas of this large public sector organisation. Your day-to-day responsibilities will see you leading a talented team of 3, focused on providing insightful analysis, robust reporting, and strategic advice that supports both immediate operational needs and long-term ambitions.
- Lead a dedicated team of 3 responsible for delivering comprehensive financial planning, reporting, control, support, insight, and advice for stakeholders across the council.
- Oversee the development and implementation of the Medium-Term Financial Plan as well as annual budget-setting processes and in-year budget monitoring activities.
- Drive innovation, change, transformation of working processes to create a best in class financial planning team.
- Provide expert support to the Section 151 Officer and Finance Leadership Team in achieving key financial objectives while maintaining commercial awareness on projects and partnerships.
- Shape strategic direction by contributing to the Corporate Plan and playing an integral role in delivering finance plans that align with organisational goals.
- Drive continuous service improvement by championing constructive scrutiny, promoting collaborative working practices across finance teams and external stakeholders.
- Develop key financial strategies such as the Medium-Term Financial Strategy to ensure long-term sustainability and value for money.
- Maintain rigorous budgetary control systems that guarantee effective use of resources while supporting outcome-based commissioning initiatives.
- Promote good governance by ensuring integrity in financial systems through robust controls, accurate record-keeping, and timely reporting mechanisms.
- Engage proactively with senior stakeholders, including partner organisations, government departments, suppliers, banks, brokers and represent the council in national or regional working groups.
- Lead complex negotiations on contracts and funding agreements under the direction of the Deputy Section 151 Officer while investigating innovative financing methodologies.
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What you'll need to succeed
- Extensive local government experience in MTFS
- Extensive background in financial planning and MTFS, including identifying funding sources, forecasting income streams, and managing large city council budgets effectively.
- Experience of leading a small financial planning team within large or complex organisations where advanced interpersonal skills have been used to inspire high performance levels among colleagues.
- Proven track record providing professional advice at a strategic level supporting decision-making processes through clear written and verbal communication.
- The ability to understand political processes alongside an appreciation for managing politically sensitive issues within local government environments.
- Experience translating strategic objectives into actionable operational targets while prioritising workloads under pressure in rapidly changing circumstances.
- Deep understanding of governance frameworks relevant to local government operations, including laws, regulations, statutory reporting requirements and their practical application.
- Capability to lead change management initiatives aimed at enhancing departmental performance whilst promoting efficiency improvements across services.
- Commercial awareness applied to projects involving partner organisations; adept at negotiating complex agreements that secure funding or deliver value-added outcomes.
- Commitment to upholding equity, diversity, and inclusion policies throughout all aspects of workforce planning and policy development activities.
- Possession of CCAB or equivalent professional financial accreditation demonstrating technical proficiency required for this senior post.
- Demonstrated experience leading finance teams within large or complex organisations where advanced interpersonal skills have been used to inspire high performance levels among colleagues.
- Proven track record providing professional advice at a strategic level supporting decision-making processes through clear written and verbal communication.
- The ability to understand political processes alongside an appreciation for managing politically sensitive issues within local government environments.
- Experience translating strategic objectives into actionable operational targets while prioritising workloads under pressure in rapidly changing circumstances.
- Deep understanding of governance frameworks relevant to local government operations, including laws, regulations, statutory reporting requirements and their practical application.
- Capability to lead change management initiatives aimed at enhancing departmental performance whilst promoting efficiency improvements across services.
- Commercial awareness applied to projects involving partner organisations; adept at negotiating complex agreements that secure funding or deliver value-added outcomes.
- Possession of CCAB or equivalent professional financial accreditation demonstrating technical proficiency required for this senior post.
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What you'll get in return
- The rate on offer for this role is 750 p/day, there could be flexibility to £800 p/day for an outstanding candidate.
- The role is central to the council's future financial stability and liaises with the most senior stakeholders.
- There is a high degree of remote working available - but ideally 1 day per week in Birmingham - flexible.
What you need to do now
- If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.
- If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.
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