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SalaryAbout us
At Hillingdon we’re proud of our commitment of ‘Putting our residents first’, ensuring they’re at the heart of everything we do! We want to attract talented individuals like yourself who share our aspirations for the borough and can support us to deliver exceptional services for Hillingdon.
With an ambitious strategy we pride ourselves on delivering services that improve the lives of all our residents, businesses, and partners. Embarking on a journey of continuous improvement, we’ve set an agenda to ensure the provision of; safer communities, a thriving local economy, a greener more sustainable environment, whilst increasing our digital capabilities.
Working at London’s second largest borough can be tough, particularly with government reforms, budget restrictions, and political attention – but it’s enough to keep us busy and ensures no two days are the same!
What does a Head of Finance do at Hillingdon?
Cementing our commitment to our residents, we’re recruiting for a Head of Finance to lead the strategic direction and development of the Children’s Social Care & Education financial landscape, driving efficiencies across the service.
As the strategic lead for all financial matters relating to Children’s Social Care & Education, the role supports the service to set and manage budgets, whilst monitoring and identifying cost saving opportunities.
Operating a business partnering model, the Head of Finance works collaboratively with the wider Corporate Finance team and the Council’s Leadership Team, to provide financial direction, support, and guidance, focused on delivering against agreed savings targets.
Leading on the financial modelling of demand led budgets, the role works closely with the Directorate’s Service Managers to ensure robust forecasts are established, whilst conducting detailed trend analysis to inform MTFF decision making.
Key Responsibilities include:
- Drive the transformation agenda, providing financial insights and modelling to support the delivery of key projects
- Lead the development of the service’s strategic vision, enabling the council to overcome future challenges and the attainment of agreed objectives
- Prepare and present key insights and reports to members and senior stakeholders to aid service and corporate decision making activities
- Deliver operational accountancy service provision, covering monthly monitoring, budget build, and year end processes
About you
Leading the development of the Directorate’s financial strategy, you’ll have demonstrable experience of preparing budgets and final accounts within a local authority, alongside an expert understanding of the financial challenges associated with Children’s services.
As a key partner in the council’s transformation programme, you’ll have examples of successfully delivering projects and programmes of change, taking a lead role in the financial aspects of service improvement.
You’ll be a natural leader who is able to coach, empower, and develop teams effectively, embedding a culture of continuous improvement, whilst challenging the ‘status quo’. Utilising your exceptional interpersonal skills, you’ll have the ability to engage with a wide variety of internal and external stakeholders to inform, persuade and influence decision making across a variety of complex financial matters.
Key skills/ experience to evidence within your application:
- Qualified Accountant of either CIPFA, ACCA, CIMA, and member of the CCAB
- Thorough understanding of the Children services challenges
- Developing and implementing financial strategies, policies, and programmes
- Strategic budget management, accountable for significant financial resources
- Clear understanding of the legal, financial and political context within a Local Authority
What we offer
We value our employees and are committed to ensuring that they enjoy a fulfilling and rewarding career with us. We understand that a happy and motivated workforce is essential for the success of our organisation. That is why we offer a wide range of employee benefits to enhance your work-life balance, financial wellbeing, health, and professional development.
Here’s a comprehensive overview of the fantastic benefits we provide:
Work Life Balance
- Flexible Working Hours – We recognise the importance of flexibility in managing your work and personal life.
- 36 Hour Week – Enjoy a standard 36-hour workweek for all full time staff.
- Generous Holiday Entitlement – You will receive a minimum of 26 days annual leave each year, in addition to bank holidays. This entitlement increases to a maximum 37 days after 10 years of service.
Health & Wellbeing
- Hillingdon Sport Leisure – Stay active and healthy with discounts at council owned leisure centres and swimming pools across the borough.
- Cycle Purchase Scheme – Promote eco-friendly commuting with our cycle purchase scheme.
- Discount on Golf Fees – Enjoy up to 30% discounts on green fees at council owned golf courses.
- Financial Benefits – Secure your future with access to the Local Government Pension Scheme and membership to the Credit Union
- Vivup Benefits – Access a variety of offers and discounts through our Vivup Benefits.
- Eye Care – We contribute towards eye tests and lenses for Display Screen Equipment
- Mental Health Support – Our mental health first aiders are trained to identify, understand, and help employees experiencing mental health issues.
- Support and Counselling Services – Access free 24-hour confidential advice and counselling as well as a legal advice service for you and your immediate family.
Commute with Ease
- Travel Support – Make your daily commute easier with our season ticket loans and free car parking. We also provide bicycle parking, lockers, and showers at the Civic Centre.
Equity, Diversity and Equality Statement
At the London Borough of Hillingdon, we are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. We value the unique perspectives and experiences of all individuals, and we believe that our workforce should reflect the diversity of the communities we serve.
We strive to ensure that our recruitment process is free from discrimination and bias, and we are dedicated to providing reasonable adjustments to applicants with disabilities. We recognise the value of a diverse workforce and encourage applications from candidates from underrepresented groups.
Join us in building a workplace where diversity is not only embraced but also celebrated, and where every individual has the opportunity to thrive and contribute meaningfully to our organisation's success.
