Lead Finance Business Partner (Interim)
BBBH46744_1765212188
Posted: 08/12/2025
- £430 - £600 per day
- West London, London
- Temporary
Interim Lead Finance Business Partner (Education)
A Local Authority is seeking a highly capable Lead Finance Business Partner to provide senior-level financial leadership, strategic support and business partnering across one of its key Directorates on an Interim basis.
You will act as the lead point of contact for senior managers within the Directorate, providing expert financial insight, challenge, and advice while coordinating a finance team supporting revenue, capital and transformation activities.
What's on offer
- Day rate: £430 - £600 per day
- Hybrid working
- Full-time
- 36 Hours
- Initial contract: 3 - 6 Months
About the role
As Lead Finance Business Partner, you will work alongside Senior Management and budget managers to deliver strategic financial support across a complex service division. You will translate complex financial information to non-finance stakeholders, challenge service leads constructively, and ensure the Directorate meets all financial policies, statutory requirements and Standing Orders.
You will manage up to 5 direct reports and up to 10 indirect reports, ensuring the team delivers accurate, timely and high-quality financial information across the Directorate.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide strategic financial advice and direction to Senior Management, Members, and key stakeholders across the Directorate.
- Lead financial planning, forecasting and the development of medium-term financial strategies.
- Coordinate and performance-manage a service finance team, supporting workforce planning and capability development.
- Support delivery of cost-reduction plans, efficiency programmes and cross-cutting transformation initiatives.
- Analyse complex financial issues and provide clear, actionable recommendations to senior leaders.
- Ensure statutory and regulatory accounting requirements are met and legislative changes are incorporated.
- Act as the lead finance contact for one or more service divisions and manage technically complex budget areas.
- Deputise for the Finance Manager at SMT meetings, Member briefings and strategic discussions.
- Maintain strong financial governance, ensuring compliance with Standing Orders, policies and regulations.
About you
Essential Qualifications & Experience
- Fully qualified CCAB accountant (CIPFA/ACCA/ACA/CIMA).
- Experience within a large and complex public-sector organisation, ideally local government.
- Proven leadership experience managing small finance teams.
- Strong understanding of local authority financial frameworks, statutory requirements and annual financial cycles.
- Track record of delivering financial strategies, managing significant budgets and supporting senior decision-making.
- Experience in transformation, change programmes and cross-departmental financial projects.
Skills & Competencies
- Strong analytical skills and ability to simplify complex financial information.
- Advanced technical financial skills such as financial modelling, options appraisal and investment appraisal.
- Ability to influence senior stakeholders and provide constructive challenge.
- Skilled communicator with the confidence to present to senior officers and elected Members.
- A proactive, solution-focused leader who builds strong relationships across Directorates.
Why this role matters
This is a senior, high-impact business partnering position supporting key services at a time of significant strategic and financial pressure. Your leadership will directly influence financial sustainability, operational performance and transformation delivery across the Directorate.
How to apply
Once your CV is received, shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you are not contacted, please assume you have not been successful on this occasion.
About Spencer Clarke Group
We connect exceptional finance professionals with high-impact opportunities. When you join us, you receive:
- Access to leading interim and permanent roles
- Free DBS checks
- Aftercare support
- Loyalty rewards and competitions
We also offer a £300 referral bonus, so if you know someone who may be suitable, ask them to email their CV to Brad at and include your details.
INDSCGBR
Brad Robertson
Senior Consultant