About Leeds
Leeds is a vibrant and culturally rich city, offering a diverse range of attractions and experiences. Home to over 760,000 residents, the city also welcomes more than 100,000 workers daily, along with countless visitors who come to enjoy its shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
As the second-largest metropolitan district in England, Leeds spans 552 square kilometres and has a population exceeding 715,000. Positioned near the geographical centre of the UK, it serves as the regional capital of Yorkshire and the Humber, representing a diverse community with over 75 nationalities.
Head of Finance (Strategic) – Job Opportunity
📍 Location: Leeds City Centre
💼 Salary: £68,033 – £74,631
⏳ Hours: 37 per week
📜 Contract: Permanent
About the Role
As Head of Finance (Strategic), you will play a key role in shaping financial strategies and driving change across Leeds City Council. Your leadership will be instrumental in developing the council’s Medium-Term Financial Strategy, managing the capital programme and annual revenue budget, and overseeing monthly financial reporting.
Beyond financial oversight, this role is about delivering impact—ensuring value for money, improving services, and fostering innovative financial strategies that support the council’s strategic objectives.
About You
To excel in this role, you must be a fully qualified accountant (CCAB or equivalent) with senior-level experience in finance. Additionally, you should have:
✔ Strong leadership and stakeholder management skills to influence decision-making
✔ Extensive knowledge of financial regulations, local government accounting frameworks, and external audit processes
✔ Strategic thinking to link financial resources with performance and objectives
✔ The ability to manage competing priorities, adapt to change, and navigate political sensitivities
✔ Experience in service improvement, financial risk management, and business case development
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Financial Planning: Lead financial planning, budgeting, and reporting to support council priorities.
- Leadership & Governance: Manage a high-performing finance team and ensure compliance with statutory financial requirements.
- Performance & Insights: Provide senior management with timely, data-driven insights to support decision-making.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with internal teams, elected members, and external partners to drive financial efficiency.
- Continuous Improvement: Implement innovative financial strategies that enhance service delivery and value for money.
What We Offer
🌟 Competitive salary and generous annual leave
🌟 West Yorkshire Pension Fund with employer contributions
🌟 Flexible & hybrid working arrangements
🌟 Clear career progression and professional development opportunities
🌟 Access to staff benefits that support well-being and financial security
Application Process
📝 Closing Date: Sunday, 23rd February 2025 (23:59)
📅 Interviews: In-person, scheduled for Friday, 28th February 2025
For further details or an informal discussion about the role, contact:
📩 Richard Ellis, Deputy Chief Officer – Financial Services
📞 0113 3787814 | ✉️ richard.ellis@leeds.gov.uk
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