Job Details

 Head of Finance Business Partnering (Children’s Services)

Job Title

Head of Finance Business Partnering – Children’s Services

Working Pattern

• Hybrid working (typically 2 days per week in the office, although this may vary depending on business requirements).

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and strategic Head of Finance Business Partnering to lead the finance business partnering function for Children’s Services, covering both Children’s Social Care and Education.

Reporting as a senior finance leader, you will be responsible for leading a team of five Finance Business Partners, providing high-quality financial leadership, challenge and strategic support to senior stakeholders across the directorate.

This is a pivotal role in helping shape service delivery, driving financial sustainability and ensuring robust financial stewardship while supporting the delivery of excellent outcomes for children, young people and families.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the Finance Business Partnering function for Children’s Services.
• Provide strategic financial advice, challenge and support to senior leadership teams across Children’s Social Care and Education.
• Manage, coach and develop a team of five finance professionals, driving a high-performance culture.
• Lead the financial planning, budgeting, forecasting and medium-term financial strategy for the directorate.
• Support the development of innovative service delivery models that improve outcomes while delivering significant efficiencies and cost savings.
• Build strong relationships with operational leaders, acting as a trusted strategic finance partner.
• Monitor and report on financial and operational performance, ensuring risks and opportunities are identified and managed proactively.
• Ensure effective financial governance, controls and compliance across the service area.
• Contribute to the Council’s wider finance strategy, continuous improvement initiatives and transformation programmes.
• Support the Council in meeting its Section 151 responsibilities through strong financial leadership and stewardship.
• Promote innovation, commercial awareness and value-for-money across Children’s Services.

Person Specification

Essential Experience

• Significant experience operating at Head of Finance or equivalent senior finance leadership level.
• Extensive finance leadership experience within Children’s Social Care and Education in a local authority environment (essential).
• Proven experience leading Finance Business Partnering teams.
• Experience managing and developing finance professionals.
• Strong track record of influencing senior stakeholders and providing strategic financial advice.
• Experience supporting organisational transformation, service redesign and delivery of financial savings.
• Strong knowledge of local government finance, budgeting, forecasting and financial governance.
• Experience supporting complex service areas with substantial budgets.

Qualifications

• Fully qualified accountant (CCAB or equivalent) such as:
  • ACA
  • ACCA
  • CIMA
  • CIPFA

Skills & Competencies

• Outstanding business partnering and stakeholder management skills.
• Strategic thinker with strong commercial and financial acumen.
• Excellent leadership and people management capability.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to challenge constructively and influence senior decision-makers.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Commitment to continuous improvement and delivering value for money.

What We’re Looking For

This role requires an experienced finance leader who can combine strategic thinking with operational delivery. You will be comfortable working with senior leaders, driving financial performance and supporting major service transformation within Children’s Services.

Mandatory Requirement

Applicants must have previous Head of Finance experience supporting Children’s Social Care and Education within a local authority setting. Applications that do not meet this essential requirement will not be considered.