Head of Finance

Head of Finance
4 month initial contract
Greater London

£750 per day
Inside IR35 (via umbrella)
Hybrid working (2 days per week onsite)

Reporting into the Finance Manager for Corporate Finance, you will play a key strategic role in leading financial planning and stewardship for Children’s Services, ensuring alignment with statutory responsibilities and driving transformation across safeguarding, education, and early help. You will work closely with senior stakeholders to develop a robust financial framework that supports sustainable service delivery and improved outcomes for children and young people.

Your Role as Head of Finance – Children’s Services:

• Lead financial strategy and oversight for Children’s Services, including safeguarding, education, and early help.
• Partner with the Children’s Services Leadership Team, elected Members, Senior Finance Officers, and Schools Forum.
• Provide expert financial insight to support key change programmes, including:
  • Finance Improvement Programme
  • Children’s Transformation Programme
  • SEND Delivering Better Value Programme
• Lead and develop a resilient, collaborative finance team that thrives on challenge and innovation.

Your Previous Experience as Head of Finance – Children’s Services:

• Extensive experience in local government finance, ideally within Children’s Services or similarly complex service areas.
• Proven track record of leading financial strategy and transformation in a public sector setting.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and leadership skills, with the ability to influence at all levels.
• Excellent analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving capabilities.

Qualifications:

• Relevant finance degree or equivalent qualification/experience.
• Membership of a professional accounting body (e.g. CIPFA, ACCA, CIMA) – desirable.
• Demonstrable experience in leading financial planning and delivery in a local authority context.

If you’re interested in this opportunity or know someone who may be, please contact Sarah Williams or Nikki Smith on 0117 313 7110 or apply today!

(We offer a senior referral scheme upon successful placement of your recommendation so please do get in contact).

Our clients are passionate about creating and evolving a diverse workforce and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant. Recruiting decisions are based on your experience and skills. Any reasonable adjustments in the workplace will be fully supported during the application and hiring process.