Who You Are You are a highly qualified financial professional, ideally a full member of a CCAB or equivalent accountancy body, with considerable post-qualification experience. You possess in-depth knowledge of the Local Government finance framework, including statutory requirements and the strategic financial influences on local authorities. Your experience includes leading in senior management positions and managing significant budgets, performance, and business planning. Your expertise extends to Pension Fund accounting, developing Pension Fund strategies, and managing complex investment portfolios. You have a proven track record in achieving successful outcomes through excellent communication, resource management, negotiation skills, and the ability to work in a political environment. You can inspire high-performance teams, drive innovative change, establish strong collaborations, and deliver cost-effective services. Adaptable to evolving demands, you demonstrate leadership, empower colleagues, and maintain professional standards, enabling you to take calculated risks and make informed financial decisions. What the Job Involves The Head of Strategy is responsible for leading the development and management of the Council’s financial and capital strategies, medium-term financial plan, and budget setting processes. Overseeing a team and managing budgets of up to £500k, your key duties include managing outsourced Treasury operations and Pension Fund accounting, ensuring strategies are effective and compliant. You prepare comprehensive reports for officers and Members, maintain relationships with external stakeholders such as actuaries, advisors, investment managers, and ensure the alignment of financial plans with statutory requirements. Key responsibilities include managing the pension scheme's agendas, overseeing investment and funding strategies, ensuring compliance with regulations, and leading triennial actuarial valuations. You engage in significant transformation projects, innovate financial solutions, manage contracts with financial institutions, and negotiate to achieve optimal investment and borrowing outcomes. The role requires attendance at evening meetings and flexibility to travel, ensuring thorough delivery of strategic financial services. You uphold high performance indicators, including innovation, leadership, collaboration, responsiveness, accessibility, and impact, ensuring the Council’s financial strategies meet strategic objectives effectively.