Job details

Salary: £74,271 to £82,734 including allowances and uplift for Deputy S151 Officer.
Location: Civic Centre, Windmill Street, Gravesend
Status: permanent
Hours: 37 hours per week
Closing date: 15 June 2026
Proposed interview date 8 July 2026.

The role

Gravesham Borough Council is seeking a highly motivated and experienced finance professional to join our Corporate Services Directorate as Head of Service for its finance function.
This is a pivotal senior role supporting delivery of the Council’s priorities and community outcomes. Acting as Deputy Section 151 Officer, the postholder will also support the council in ensuring the proper administration of its financial affairs alongside occupying a position on the Board of Rosherville Limited, the council’s wholly owned trading company.
Your position within this friendly and professional team will provide you with a wide variety of exciting opportunities to help contribute to the delivery of effective council services as well as playing a key role in preparing for Local Government Reorganisation in Kent.

About you

As Head of Service, you will provide strategic and operational leadership across the Council’s finance function, including accounting, treasury, income management, exchequer, risk and insurance, and systems.
You will also lead on the preparation of the Council’s annual budget, Council Tax setting, and Statement of Accounts processes.
Applications are welcome from candidates who hold the CIPFA qualification/are CCAB qualified and able to demonstrate effective communication and organisational skills, experience of compiling and presenting financial reports, and the ability to build relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

Working for Gravesham

We are committed to delivering to the community and working with us means you are part of delivering the level of growth and improvement our community needs and deserves. A range of services have been provided to over 106,000 people and 4,000 businesses.
The Borough of Gravesham, situated in the north west corner of Kent, covers 25,000 acres of the most varied countryside in south east England. Bordered by the River Thames to the north, it is at the heart of Thames Gateway and has a significant role to play in the regeneration of a major government growth area.
Read more information about working for us
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Benefits

A minimum of 29 Days Annual Leave plus bank holidays.
Membership to Local Government Pension Scheme - Local Government Pension Scheme
Access to over 1000+ instant discounts from favourite retailers, restaurants, food delivery services and attractions via our benefits portal Vivup.
Career development, training opportunities and access to e-learning
Access to eye care vouchers and VDU Glasses
External Occupational Health service
Cycle to Work Scheme
Access to an employee assistance programme 24/7
Free parking
Octopus Electric Vehicles Salary Sacrifice Scheme

Important Information

Applicants must be able to demonstrate all essential requirements as listed in the job description.
Please be advised that if you are not contacted within 3 weeks of the advert closing date then you have not been shortlisted. All recruitment correspondence, including interview letters and contracts of employment will usually be sent out via email.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy at any time prior to the closing date.
If you would like to have an informal discussion with the recruiting manager, please email
sarah.parfitt@gravesham.gov.uk

How to apply

We are no longer accepting applications by email.
You can now apply for this job via our online form. You will be asked to select the job you are applying for and upload a CV and supporting statement. You will also need to provide details of 2 references so please have these available when starting your application.
You should submit your application by 15 June 2026. We reserve the right to close this vacancy at any time prior to the closing date.
Apply for this job
All recruitment correspondence, including interview letters and contracts of employment will usually be sent out via email, if you require documentation in different format such as braille or large print, please contact the Human Resources Team on 01474 337374.

Job Profile

Download the Head of Financial Services job description
.