Strategic Finance Business Partner (Interim)

Strategic Finance Business Partner - Housing Revenue Account (HRA)

A Local Authority in West London is seeking an experienced Strategic Finance Business Partner to take a leading role in managing the revenue side of the Housing Revenue Account (HRA). This is a pivotal appointment at a critical time for the Council, and prior HRA experience is essential.

You will provide high-level financial leadership, strategic planning support and robust business partnering to senior officers, Members and service leads, ensuring strong financial stewardship and long-term sustainability of the HRA.

What's on offer

• £430 - £600 per day, Inside IR35
• Hybrid working - minimum 1 day per week in the office
• Interim 3-6 month initial contract
• Full-time, 36 hours per week

About the role

The successful candidate will take ownership of the HRA revenue budget, working alongside finance colleagues, capital programme leads, and service managers to maintain and update the HRA 30-Year Business Plan ahead of February Cabinet and Council 2026.

You will be supported by a Head of Finance and will directly line-manage two Assistant Finance Business Partners, one of whom is nearing completion of AAT. Strong leadership, development and mentoring capability will therefore be essential.

As the Council approaches the final quarter of 2025/26, you will also play a key role in year-end preparation for the HRA, including producing notes for the Statement of Accounts.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead strategic business partnering for the Housing Revenue Account (HRA), owning the revenue budget and ensuring risks, pressures and opportunities are clearly communicated to senior managers and Members.
• Update, maintain and model scenarios for the 30-year HRA Business Plan, ensuring affordability and long-term viability.
• Work collaboratively with the Capital Finance Business Partnering Team to ensure revenue implications of acquisitions, developments and works to stock are fully reflected in HRA financial strategy and monitoring positions.
• Provide high-quality financial insight, analysis and interpretation of complex data to non-financial stakeholders, enabling informed and strategic decision-making.
• Lead, support and mentor two Assistant Finance Business Partners, ensuring strong performance, development and engagement.
• Support HRA year-end close, including preparation of working papers, notes, and supporting documentation for the Statement of Accounts.

About you

Essential Experience & Skills

• Fully CCAB qualified (CIPFA, ACCA, ACA, CIMA).
• Prior HRA experience is essential-including HRA budget management, long-term business planning, and understanding of housing finance.
• Experience in a large and complex public sector organisation, ideally local government, with strong understanding of the annual financial cycle.
• Proven ability to lead financial strategy, manage significant budgets, and challenge senior stakeholders constructively.
• Experience managing and developing staff.
• Advanced financial modelling, options appraisal and analytical capability.
• Ability to translate complex financial information into clear, meaningful insight for non-finance colleagues.

Why this role matters

The HRA faces significant strategic challenges as the Council prepares budget proposals for 2026/27 and beyond. This role will shape the next phase of the Council's housing financial strategy, support major investment decisions, and play a crucial part in long-term business planning and year-end delivery.

How to apply

Once your CV is received, shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you do not hear back, 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.