Head of Financial Services

About this job

We are seeking an exceptional individual to lead our Financial Services team supporting the Housing, Environment and Communities directorate to drive financial sustainability, transformation and innovation. As Head of Financial Services, you will play a pivotal role in aligning financial strategy with corporate objectives, ensuring robust governance and delivering high-quality financial stewardship to secure value for money in services. You will lead on critical areas including the Housing Revenue Account (HRA), providing strategic oversight and assurance to senior leadership and elected Members. Key Responsibilities • Lead financial planning, forecasting and risk management to support sound decision-making and long-term sustainability. • Provide strategic input into business planning and operating models to address emerging financial challenges. • Lead the strategic financial oversight of the HRA, ensuring the 30-year business plan is robust and aligned with housing strategy, in collaboration with the Directors on investment priorities, rent policy and regeneration financing. • Deliver accurate, transparent financial reporting and expert advise to senior leaders, elected Members and external stakeholders. • Champion digital transformation and continuous improvement across systems and processes. • Build strong relationships across the Council, fostering collaboration and financial literacy. • Represent the Council in external negotiations and national finance networks. This is a unique opportunity to lead a high-performing finance function at the heart of a forward-thinking Council. You will shape financial strategy, drive change and ensure we deliver for our communities with integrity and positive impact.

About you

To succeed in this senior leadership finance role, you will be a fully qualified CCAB accountant with a minimum of five years’ professional experience and an active member of a recognised accountancy body. You will bring deep expertise in local government finance, a thorough understanding of the legislative and political landscape, and proven ability to support the Section 151 Officer in fulfilling statutory responsibilities with confidence and precision. You will have a strong track record of delivering complex and high-impact financial financial processes, including year-end accounts, financial planning and budgetary control. Your specialist knowledge of Housing Revenue Account (HRA) business planning will be critical in shaping long-term financial strategies. As a strategic advisor, you will be skilled in translating complex financial data into clear, actionable insights for senior managers and elected Members, enabling informed decision-making and driving service performance. You will have at least three years’ experience leading a high-performing finance team of five or more, with a demonstrable ability to stimulate continuous learning, shape effective delivery and and elevate team performance. You will be a confident and credible communicator, capable of building trusted relationships across internal and external stakeholders. You will act as a strategic partner, challenging assumptions, holding others to account and influencing outcomes to deliver meaningful improvements in service delivery. You will have a proven ability to overcome financial challenges and risks through strategic foresight, robust financial modelling and evidence-based scenario planning, ensuring resilience in volatile environments and supporting the Council’s long-term sustainability. Most importantly, you will bring vision, leadership and strategic insight, offering bold ideas and practical guidance to strengthen financial sustainability, lead transformation and deliver results that are visible, measurable and aligned with the Council’s long-term priorities.

About us

Barking and Dagenham Council is building a resilient, future-ready Finance Team committed to excellence and strong financial leadership. We are seeking skilled, ambitious professionals to join us in key roles within our Resources Directorate, a hub of strategic innovation. Our borough is proudly diverse, and we are dedicated to creating an inclusive environment where differences are respected and celebrated. We offer competitive pay, flexible working and a strong focus on wellbeing and development. For more information, contact Richard Harbord, Strategic Director of Resources at k