Join Southampton City Council and lead high‑impact financial services
We are looking for a Head of Operational Finance to lead the delivery of high‑quality, customer‑focused financial services that support the Council’s priorities and financial resilience.
About The Team
You will lead the Operational Finance Services, including Debt Management, Accounts Payable, Revenues & Benefits and Client Money Services. The service plays a vital role in protecting the Council’s financial integrity while delivering efficient and effective customer focused services.
About The Role
As Head of Operational Finance, you will be responsible for ensuring robust operational financial services across the Council.
Responsibilities
* Leading and developing large‑scale operational finance services that are customer focused and deliver value for money
* Driving service improvement, efficiency, and transformation across operational finance
* Ensuring strong financial controls, risk management, and regulatory compliance
* Supporting directorates with operational financial advice and service delivery
About You
You will be an experienced operational finance leader with a strong focus on service delivery and improvement. You will bring:
* Proven experience leading operational finance services within a complex organisation
* Strong understanding of financial controls, compliance, and high‑volume transactional environments
* Experience managing and motivating large teams to deliver performance and continuous improvement
* A track record of driving efficiency, innovation, and customer‑focused financial services
* A listener and collaborator who works to meet customer needs and find shared solutions to challenges
What We Can Offer You
Salary: The salary band for this role is £83,643 - £91,823. The starting salary is £83,643 with annual progression through the salary bands.
Benefits
* Excellent
* Death in service benefit of x3 salary, and optional salary sacrifice shared cost AVC (additional voluntary contribution)
* Generous holiday 25–31 days, based on role and service
* Flexible working options (role-dependent)
* Family‑friendly policies - Maternity, Paternity, Adoption, Shared/Unpaid Parental Leave, Time off for Dependents
* Training and development, including coaching and mentoring
* Health and wellbeing support – Employee Assistance Programme, Menopause Pledge, Mental Health First Aiders, and access to a variety of staff networks
* Veteran‑friendly employer with the Armed Forces Covenant
* Retail discounts and savings through the Southampton City Council benefits platform
* Discounted memberships at local sports and fitness centres
* Sustainable travel benefits – low emission car scheme, cycle to work, season ticket loans
* Employee volunteering scheme with 2 paid days leave to volunteer
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