Financial Services Manager

Location: Crawley - hybrid/remote available Start Date: 1st June 2025 Contract Type: Interim 6 months Hourly Rate: £70.00 Hours of work: 2 to 2.5 days per week Are you an experienced finance leader looking for your next challenge in a dynamic local government environment? Meridian Business Support seeking an Interim Financial Services Manager to join our Corporate Client, Finance team. You will work closely with the Head of Corporate Finance and Chief Accountant to provide strategic financial advice, drive service improvement, and ensure robust financial governance across the Council. The initial focus for the role will be working on the savings plan for 2026/27 and monitoring the current year to ensure that savings are achieved or corrective action taken early. The candidate must be able to write concise financial reports for a variety of audiences including CMT and Councillors backed with sound financial analysis. The candidate must have extensive knowledge of experience of Local Government Finance at a very senior level combined with a sound understanding of Financial Strategy and implementation. The role is required to be flexible to fit in with the demands of the service and a variety of financial projects. Key Responsibilities: Advise senior officers, Corporate Management Team (CMT), and Members on changes in local authority accounting standards and legislation. Lead the preparation of the Council’s annual Financial Statements to ensure full compliance with statutory requirements and secure an unqualified audit opinion. Support the oversight and coordination of the annual budget process and the development of a strong Medium Term Financial Strategy. Deliver high-quality financial advice to enable informed and effective decision-making. Promote innovation and continuous improvement within the Finance Division. Prepare key financial strategies including the Medium Term Financial Strategy, Housing Revenue Account Business Plan, and Treasury Management Strategy. Develop and implement policies to improve efficiency, minimise risk, and enhance financial stewardship.About You: CCAB-qualified accountant with evidence of continuing professional development (CPD). Must Hold a Valid UK Right to work Significant experience in financial planning, budgetary control, final accounts preparation, and policy development. Expertise in International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), local government finance, capital accounting, HRA accounting, and treasury management. Proven ability to lead and motivate teams during periods of change. Strong communication skills with the ability to explain complex financial matters clearly to a wide range of stakeholders. Experience working with elected Members and within a complex organisational environment is desirable.Special Conditions: Flexibility to attend some evening meetings.Benefits of Working with Meridian: Flexible work options to suit your lifestyle Competitive pay with weekly pay Temp Club for additional perks Dedicated recruitment consultant to support you Fast-track onboarding process How to Apply Contact Nikki Stephenson at (phone number removed) or email your CV to (url removed) to start your journey today! Meridian Business Support is a recruitment specialist acting on behalf of our client as an Employment Agency for this vacancy

Location: Pound Hill, GB

Posted Date: 5/9/2025