Head of Strategic Finance

Job Title: Head of Strategic Finance

Salary: £90,000–£100,000 per annum

For internal candidates, starting salary will be determined in line with the organisation’s pay and grading policies and subject to formal negotiation upon appointment. In some cases, a market supplement may be considered, subject to business need and approval in accordance with internal policy.

The MPS also offers a generous civil service pension scheme Benefits of the pension scheme - Civil Service Pension Scheme

Why Join Us:

The Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) stands as the UK's largest police force, dedicated to safeguarding London - a vibrant, diverse, and globally influential city. With a workforce of nearly 46,000 officers and staff, the MPS is a cornerstone of public safety, serving a population of over 8.6 million residents across 620 square miles.

Headquartered at New Scotland Yard, the MPS operates with a budget of approximately £4.4 billion, representing about 25% of the total police funding for England and Wales. This substantial investment underscores the MPS's commitment to delivering high-quality policing services.

The MPS's mission is encapsulated in its strategic plan, "A New Met for London," which focuses on three key priorities: delivering more trust, reducing crime, and upholding high standards. This plan is informed by over 10,000 interactions with Londoners, aiming to align the MPS's objectives with the needs and expectations of the community.

As part of a dynamic and evolving organisation, joining the MPS offers the opportunity to contribute to meaningful change, engage in complex and impactful work, and be part of a team that is dedicated to making London a safer place for all its residents.

About the Role:

The Head of Strategic Finance will play a crucial role in leading the financial strategy for the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS), overseeing an annual revenue budget of £4.4bn and a five-year capital plan of £1.5bn. Reporting directly to the Deputy Chief Finance Officer, you will act as a key advisor to the MPS Executive, Business Groups, and senior management, providing strategic financial advice and direction to support the service’s mission and vision for London.

This is a high-impact role where you will shape financial decisions at the heart of the MPS. You’ll be responsible for developing and implementing long-term financial strategies, delivering value for money, and ensuring financial sustainability in a rapidly changing landscape. Working collaboratively with key internal and external stakeholders, you will influence strategic planning, major fiscal events, and resource prioritisation across the MPS.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the MPS’s financial strategy, including the preparation and management of the Medium-Term Financial Plan (MTFP) and supporting the Spending Review process.
• Provide strategic leadership in financial planning and decision-making across the MPS, ensuring that all business areas are aligned with the service’s long-term goals.
• Lead financial analysis to support senior decision-making, advising on capital prioritisation, funding options, and financial challenges.
• Collaborate with Strategy and Transformation colleagues to integrate financial strategy with operational and organisational planning.
• Lead the annual corporate budget setting process, including managing revenue, capital, and climate budgets.
• Drive financial efficiency across the organisation by challenging spend and identifying opportunities for cost-saving and service improvement.
• Own the delivery of key fiscal documents and reports, presenting to senior boards and external stakeholders such as the GLA, Home Office, and MOPAC.
• Manage a team of finance professionals, ensuring high-quality financial advice is provided to senior leaders and fostering continuous professional development.

The Ideal Candidate:

You will be a fully qualified accountant (e.g., CCAB, CIMA, or equivalent), unless there are exceptional circumstances with a proven track record in senior finance leadership roles, particularly in a public sector environment. You will bring deep technical expertise in financial strategy, planning, and governance, along with extensive experience in leading complex transformation programmes. You will have the ability to influence at senior levels, present complex financial data clearly, and engage collaboratively across the MPS. Your strategic mindset will be balanced by a practical approach to delivering real, tangible financial outcomes.

Additional skills and experience required:

• Extensive experience in financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and investment appraisal.
• Strong leadership and team management capabilities, with the ability to develop finance business partners and support senior stakeholders.
• Experience in presenting financial strategies to senior boards, the Home Office, and other external stakeholders.
• A highly collaborative approach with the ability to build trust with diverse stakeholders, including senior executives, operational leaders, and external partners.
• A passion for driving value, cost-effectiveness, and strategic financial management within a complex, high-pressure environment.

Please note: This role will be subject to security vetting.

For more information, or to apply, please contact Jack Murphy for a confidential discussion:

📞 07921 335 787

✉️ [email protected]

The closing date for applications is Tuesday 12 August 2025 at 11:55pm.