Head of Finance Business Partnering

Job Title: Head of Finance Business Partnering

Salary: £75,144–£89,730 per annum (£94,092 unconsolidated maximum achievable through performance related progression)

Inspire Transformation Across Two Distinctive London Boroughs

Join us at a time of real innovation and ambition. Sutton and Kingston Councils are not only two of London’s high-performing authorities - they are places with a proud heritage, clear vision for the future, and a commitment to transforming local government for the benefit of every resident.

Why Kingston?

The Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames is steeped in history as England’s oldest royal borough, famously the site of the first kings’ coronations over a thousand years ago. Today, Kingston is a vibrant riverside community of 168,000 people, offering a rich quality of life - from bustling town centres and outstanding schools to vast green spaces like Richmond Park and Bushy Park. As our population grows and diversifies, we are focused on supporting every resident to thrive, reducing inequality, and empowering communities.

We have a great borough to live, work, study and visit. Our rich cultural and creative heritage, strong supportive communities and services that help people who need them most. The communities of the Borough are for the most part strong, healthy and prosperous. That said, there are people who rely on the Council and other public services. Like most places, our population is ageing, and more people are living longer and so some people need more support to stay independent, safe and well. Kingston is a diverse Borough, not just because of this range of needs, but because it is home to people from diverse and interesting cultures and backgrounds. Kingston has a large Sri Lankan Tamil community and is home to more people from Korea than any other part of the UK.

Opportunity Across Two Councils

As part of our unique Shared Finance Service with Sutton, you’ll have exposure to a diverse and stimulating range of projects - such as Kingston’s largest ever housing regeneration and the world-leading London Cancer Hub in Sutton. Both councils are at the forefront of responding to the climate emergency and investing in technologies that build a better, more inclusive borough for the next generation.

The Role

As Head of Finance Business Partnering, you’ll lead and inspire a talented team within our Shared Finance Service, supporting Kingston’s Strategic Leadership Team, Councillors, and key services - including the Housing Revenue Account. You’ll play a pivotal role in shaping the council’s financial strategy, driving excellence, and safeguarding financial sustainability across two forward-thinking boroughs.

Key Accountabilities:

• Act as a trusted adviser to the Director of Finance, s151 officer, and senior decision-makers - offering professional insight and robust challenge on all aspects of financial management, risk, and planning.
• Lead the provision of high-quality business partner support to the Strategic Leadership Team and council services. You’ll champion service improvement, oversee the financial elements of the HRA Business Plan, and ensure effective financial management of revenue, capital, DSG, and transformation projects.
• Oversee the annual budget report process, ensuring robust, statutory-compliant plans for Kingston Council.
• Proactively identify and manage financial risks, ensuring these are reflected in medium-term plans and mitigated through targeted business partnering.

About You

We’re looking for finance professionals who thrive in a collaborative environment and are motivated by the challenge of supporting two ambitious, values-led boroughs. You’ll bring:

• A relevant professional qualification (e.g. CIPFA, CIMA, ACA, ACCA) or equivalent experience.
• Extensive experience at senior manager level in local government or a comparable public body.
• Proven skills in strategic leadership, business partnering, team development, and change management
• Experience delivering finance business partnering, strategic advice and insight in a complex organisation.
• Excellent analytical and communication skills, with the ability to present complex information in a clear, compelling way.
• Proven ability to coach, mentor and motivate others.
• A flexible, commercial, and innovative mindset.

To apply:

Please send your CV (maximum 3 pages) and a cover letter (maximum 2 pages) outlining your interest and suitability to [email protected] by Sunday 10 August 2025 at 23:59.

For more information on the finance service, the role, or to have a confidential discussion, visit Home | Kingston Council or contact Jack Murphy (07921 335 786) at Allen Lane.

Bring your expertise, ambition, and ideas to Sutton and Kingston - and help us deliver a better future for our residents.