Please upload both your CV and personal statement within the attachments section of the application form. Applications submitted without both documents will not be considered for shortlisting.

About the Role

This is a pivotal leadership role at the heart of Birmingham City Council’s financial transformation and improvement journey.

As Director of Finance, you will be a deputy S151 officer and act as a senior strategic leader, helping to shape the Council’s long-term financial sustainability during one of the most significant periods of change in local government.

You will lead the Council’s Finance Business Partnering and Directorate Support functions, ensuring high-quality financial advice, robust governance and strong financial control are embedded across the organisation. Working closely with Executive Directors, Members and senior stakeholders, you will play a central role in driving value for money, improving financial literacy and supporting major transformation programmes across the Council.

What You’ll Be Doing

Working with the Executive Director for Finance and the Director of Finance for Corporate Services, you will have a leadership role in delivering a high performing, fit for future finance function.
Lead the Council’s Finance Business Partnering and Directorate Support functions, ensuring high-quality strategic financial advice across all Directorates
Deputise for the Section 151 Officer, representing Finance at senior officer, Member and governance meetings
Drive a culture of financial accountability, value for money and evidence-based decision making across the organisation
Build strong relationships with Executive Directors and senior stakeholders, ensuring Finance is embedded in strategic decision-making
Lead the delivery of forward-looking financial planning, investment appraisal and financial insight to support organisational priorities
Oversee monitoring of the Council’s savings programme, supporting delivery of the Improvement and Recovery Plan
Play a key leadership role in the implementation and optimisation of the Oracle Brindley system across Finance services

About You

Significant senior leadership experience within Finance in a large, complex organisation
Strong understanding of Local Government finance, governance and financial sustainability challenges
Proven track record of leading large-scale transformation, service improvement and organisational change
Experience providing strategic financial advice and challenge at Executive and Member level
Strong commercial and financial acumen, with experience managing large budgets and complex financial environments
Ability to build high-performing teams and foster a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement
Politically astute, resilient and confident operating within a fast-paced and highly visible environment

Leadership & Impact

Lead and develop Heads of Finance and wider Directorate finance teams
Promote a culture of excellence in financial business partnering and customer-focused support
Strengthen financial literacy and accountability across the Council
Drive improvements in financial reporting, forecasting and performance management
Support organisational transformation through strategic leadership and partnership working

Why Join Us

Play a central role in Birmingham City Council’s transformation and recovery journey
Influence strategic financial decision-making at the highest level of the organisation
Help shape the future of Finance within Europe’s largest local authority
Lead major change programmes that directly impact residents and communities
Work alongside senior leaders driving organisational improvement and reform
Be part of a forward-thinking leadership team focused on innovation and value for money
Make a lasting impact on the financial sustainability and future direction of the Council

To apply, please submit:

An up-to-date CV
A personal statement (maximum 1,000 words) outlining how your skills, experience and behaviours meet the requirements of the role.

Your personal statement should clearly demonstrate:

Why you are interested in joining Birmingham City Council and contributing to our improvement journey.
How your experience aligns with the essential criteria set out in the person specification.
Specific examples of your achievements, impact and leadership, including the value you would bring to this role.

Applications will be assessed against the criteria detailed in the person specification, so we strongly encourage you to address these directly within your statement.

Please upload both your CV and personal statement within the attachments section of the application form. Applications submitted without both documents will not be considered for shortlisting.

Birmingham City Council is an accredited Disability Confident Leader employer, and we are committed to employing, retaining and developing all of our people.

We want to ensure your recruitment journey with us is a positive and equitable one, so please let us know if there are any reasonable adjustments, additional support, accessibility needs, or if there is any way in which we can support you through your application.

For any informal enquires please contact: Resourcing@birmingham.gov.uk

A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be undertaken.

Proof of Right to work in the UK will be required for all applicants in accordance with UK Home Office requirements, before any employment offer can be confirmed.

Job Description and Person Specification - Director of Business Partnering Support (Deputy S151 Officer) JD (1) (1).pdf

This is an exciting time to join Birmingham City Council. To learn more about the Finance Directorate, our transformation journey and the impact you could make, please see our Senior finance recruitment pack 2.pdf