HEAD OF Finance - Financial Planning & Reporting

HEAD OF FINANCE – FINANCIAL PLANNING & REPORTING | LOCAL AUTHORITY | PERMANENT

Everest Recruitment and Services Ltd is supporting Public sector client via an approved DPS route with the recruitment of a Head of Finance – Financial Planning & Reporting on a permanent basis.

This is a senior leadership role within local government, offering the opportunity to shape strategic financial planning, budgeting, and reporting during a period of significant organisational change, including Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) across Suffolk.

• Role:
  Head of Finance – Financial Planning & Reporting
• Location:
  
  Ipswich (Hybrid – minimum 1 day per week onsite)
• Contract:
  
  Permanent | Full-time (37 hours per week)
• Salary:
  Up to £67,853
• Additional:
  Potential designation as Deputy Section 151 Officer (+ £5,000 allowance)

• Lead the Council’s Financial Planning & Reporting function
• Lead development and delivery of the Medium-Term Financial Plan (MTFP) and annual budget-setting process
• Act as a principal financial advisor to senior leadership, Executive and Committees
• Oversee budget monitoring and financial reporting to support effective decision-making
• Line manage senior finance staff and provide strategic direction to the Financial Planning & Reporting team
• Drive improvements in financial systems, processes, and financial governance
• Identify opportunities for financial innovation, income generation, and cost reduction

• Fully qualified finance professional (CIPFA / ACCA / CIMA / ACA or equivalent)
• Strong leadership and people-management capability
• Proven experience delivering financial planning, budgeting, and reporting in complex organisations
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills
• Local government or public-sector finance experience (highly desirable)

• Senior strategic leadership role with real influence
• Hybrid and flexible working arrangements
• Strong local-government benefits package
• Opportunity to play a key role in long-term public-sector transformation

For a confidential discussion or to apply via the approved recruitment process, please contact:

Everest Recruitment and Services Ltd
Email:
Phone:

Deadline for CVs and supporting statements: 8 February 2026
Interviews: 18 February 2026 (face-to-face)