Interim Head of Finance – Local Authority Interim

Interim Head of Finance – Local Government

Location: London / South East (hybrid working)
Rate: £550-£650 per day (Inside IR35)
Contract Length: 6 months

We are partnering with a local authority to appoint an Interim Head of Finance to provide strategic leadership and direction to a high-performing finance team. This is a pivotal role, leading financial support across a broad and complex portfolio, with a focus on enabling robust financial management, strategic decision-making, and the delivery of corporate savings and transformation objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and develop a team of Finance Business Partners (including Senior and Junior Analysts and a Graduate Trainee)
• Oversee financial support for key service areas including Adult Social Care, Public Health, Strategic Commissioning, Leisure & Parks, and Integrated Care Partnerships
• Act as the lead finance professional for a portfolio worth up to £250m
• Provide high-level financial advice, modelling, challenge and support to senior stakeholders and service directors
• Drive improvements in financial strategy, forecasting, and reporting
• Ensure compliance with local authority finance frameworks and contribute to the Council’s corporate planning and policy development
• Support the delivery of cost savings, efficiency targets, and service innovation

About You:

• CCAB Qualified Accountant (ideally CIPFA), with substantial post-qualification experience
• Proven experience at senior level in local government finance, with a track record of leading multidisciplinary teams
• In-depth understanding of public sector finance, budgetary control, and regulatory frameworks
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills, with the ability to influence and advise senior stakeholders
• Excellent communication, leadership, and team development capabilities

Start Date: ASAP