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Strategic Head of Finance - Children's and Adults Services

ARCAA_1773743343
  • £600 - £800 per day + Some Flex
  • West Midlands
  • Contract/Interim
  • Finance & Accountancy, Financial Services

Location: Large Local Authority
Contract: Interim
Duration: Competitive, with potential extension
Rate: £600 to £800 per day with some flex
Start: ASAP

Are you an experienced finance transformation leader with a strong track record in local government? We're recruiting for an exceptional interim professional to take on a unique dual remit as Strategic Head of Adults' and Children's Services (two roles, one for Children's and one for Adults), supporting a major council through a period of significant change.

The Roles

These are high‑impact strategic positions requiring deep insight into Adults' and Children's Services' financial landscapes. You will lead transformation activity across both directorates, shaping financial strategy, strengthening controls, and driving service improvement.

Key responsibilities include:

  • Leading financial transformation initiatives across Adults' and Children's Services
  • Providing strategic financial leadership to senior stakeholders
  • Supporting the redesign of financial processes, reporting frameworks and governance
  • Delivering insight-driven financial analysis to inform decision-making
  • Strengthening forecasting, budget management and long-term financial planning
  • Ensuring robust financial controls in complex, high-spend service areas
  • Acting as a trusted partner to Directors, Heads of Service and political leaders

About You

We're looking for a seasoned interim consultant who can operate confidently in a fast-paced, politically sensitive environment.

You will bring:

  • A recognised finance qualification (e.g., CIPFA, ACA, ACCA, CIMA)
  • Extensive local government experience, ideally within both Adults' and Children's Services
  • A proven background in finance transformation within large, complex councils
  • Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills
  • The ability to quickly diagnose issues and deliver pragmatic solutions
  • Experience leading or advising at Head of Service / senior strategic level

Why Apply?

This is a rare opportunity to make a significant impact across two critical service areas in a high-profile local authority. You'll join at a pivotal moment, helping to stabilise and modernise financial operations while supporting improved outcomes for vulnerable residents.

If you are interested, please contact office on 020 3997 9255.

Sellick Partnership is proud to be an inclusive and accessible recruitment business and we support applications from candidates of all backgrounds and circumstances. Please note, our advertisements use years' experience, hourly rates, and salary levels purely as a guide and we assess applications based on the experience and skills evidenced on the CV. For information on how your personal details may be used by Sellick Partnership, please review our data processing notice on our website.

Rebecca Dawson Principal Consultant

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