Head of Finance (Interim)

Interim Head of Finance - Adult Social Care

Local Authority - Hybrid Working

A Local Authority is seeking an experienced Head of Finance to provide senior strategic leadership across Adult Social Care (ASC). This is a high-profile role requiring deep ASC financial expertise and the ability to operate confidently in a complex, fast-paced and politically sensitive environment.

The successful candidate must have extensive Adult Social Care experience, ideally gained at Head of Service or Senior Finance Business Partner level. You will shape long-term financial strategy, strengthen governance, support transformation and deliver robust financial stewardship across one of the Council's most high-risk service areas.

What's on offer

• Inside IR35 day rate £500 - £600 (Negotiable DOE)
• Hybrid working (typically 1-2 days per week on-site)
• Full-time contract
• Initial 3-6-month assignment with potential to extend

About the role

As the strategic financial lead for Adult Social Care, you will oversee complex and high-value revenue budgets, deliver strong financial planning, and support senior leadership with high-quality analysis and advice.

You will lead a dedicated finance team, providing direction, building capability, and ensuring the highest standards of financial governance.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead ASC financial strategy, forecasting, planning and risk management.
• Support the Director of ASC and senior operational leads with strategic financial advice and scenario modelling.
• Oversee budget setting, in-year monitoring and delivery of savings and transformation plans.
• Provide expert interpretation of ASC pressures such as demand trends, provider market sustainability, workforce challenges and commissioning activity.
• Lead and develop the ASC finance team, ensuring robust performance and high professional standards.
• Collaborate with internal and external partners, including Health, commissioning, and transformation teams.
• Drive continuous improvement, cost-control initiatives and service redesign to support long-term sustainability.
• Identify emerging risks and opportunities, providing clear, evidence-based challenge to senior stakeholders.

About you

Essential Experience

• Significant Adult Social Care finance experience - non-negotiable.
• Experience operating at Head of Finance, Head of Service, or Senior Finance Business Partner level.
• Strong understanding of ASC statutory responsibilities, market conditions, demand pressures and funding structures.
• Proven success managing large, complex public-sector budgets.
• Leadership experience managing and developing finance teams.

Skills & Competencies

• Excellent analytical, modelling and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to communicate complex issues to non-finance stakeholders clearly and persuasively.
• Politically astute with strong influencing capability.
• Proactive, solutions-focused, and confident in driving improvement and transformation.

Why this role matters

Adult Social Care is one of the Council's most financially challenging service areas. Your leadership will be central to delivering stability, supporting transformation, and ensuring long-term sustainability at a crucial time.

How to apply

Please submit your CV with your required day rate.
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Here at Spencer Clarke Group, we offer a £300 referral bonus. If you know someone who may be suitable, ask them to email their CV to Brad at , making sure they include your details.