Financial Controller
Up to £k | Permanent | Local Authority | West Midlands
Step into one of the most influential finance roles in local government – shaping decisions, protecting public funds, and strengthening services that matter.
This is a career-defining opportunity for a senior finance leader who wants real influence. As Financial Controller, you’ll sit at the heart of a large local authority, leading the teams and systems that underpin every major decision. You won’t just oversee the numbers – you’ll shape how financial insight, governance, and control enable the organisation to deliver for its communities. Working closely with the Deputy Section Officer, you’ll be trusted as the organisation’s technical authority, a leader of people, and a key voice at the top table.
Why this role:
1. Influence at scale – your work will directly support senior leaders, elected members, and frontline services across a complex organisation.
2. Breadth and progression – gain exposure across statutory reporting, treasury, capital, and financial strategy, strengthening your profile for future S or Director-level roles.
3. Lead specialists, not just processes – develop and empower experienced finance teams, shaping culture as well as outcomes.
4. Make things better – improve systems, controls, and reporting so leaders can make faster, better-informed decisions.
What you’ll do as the Financial Controller:
5. Lead core finance teams, giving them clarity, direction, and support while strengthening accountability and performance.
6. Deliver the annual Statement of Accounts, building confidence with members, auditors, and regulators through high-quality reporting.
7. Own balance sheet integrity and financial controls, ensuring the organisation’s finances are robust, transparent, and trusted.
8. Contribute to the Medium-Term Financial Strategy, including Treasury, Investment, and Capital Financing strategies — helping the authority plan sustainably for the future.
9. Act as the senior link with external auditors, resolving issues efficiently and reducing pressure across the wider finance function.
10. Advise senior leaders on complex accounting and regulatory matters, helping them navigate risk and make confident decisions.
11. Drive improvements to systems and processes, leaving the finance function stronger, more efficient, and more future-ready.
What you’ll need:
12. Full CCAB or equivalent accountancy qualification.
13. Significant senior finance experience within a large, complex local authority.
14. Strong technical expertise in statutory reporting, financial controls, treasury management, and accounting standards.
15. Experience managing year-end accounts and working with external auditors.
16. Collaborative leadership style with experience of developing and motivating teams.
Location & Benefits:
17. Generous pension scheme with employer contributions above 15%.
18. 30+ days annual leave, plus bank holidays.
19. Hybrid working and flexible arrangements to support work-life balance.
Ready to take the next step?
If you’re looking for a role where your expertise will be visible, valued, and stretched — and where you can build a platform for future senior leadership - this is an opportunity worth exploring.