Finance and Data Lead

3 months contract with a Local Authority

Job Summary:

• We are seeking an experienced Finance and Data Lead to oversee the financial planning, forecasting, and performance reporting of a complex, high-profile public service function.

• The successful candidate will play a critical role in shaping financial strategies, supporting service transformation, and ensuring data-driven decision-making in a fast-paced, regulatory environment.

Key Duties/Accountabilities (Sample):

• Lead the monitoring and forecasting of multi-million-pound revenue and capital budgets (c. £50m annually).

• Manage a team of finance and data officers, including performance management and workforce planning.

• Analyse tonnage data from service contracts to validate complex invoices and inform financial decisions.

• Produce statutory data returns and performance reports for senior stakeholders, committees, and government agencies.

• Support the development of financial strategies aligned with national legislation and funding mechanisms.

• Drive process improvement in reporting, data automation, and cost efficiency.

• Provide expert financial advice to senior management, contributing to policy and strategic planning.

• Represent the service at internal and external meetings as required.

Skills/Experience:

• Significant experience in financial management, analysis, and forecasting within the public sector.

• Excellent understanding of financial governance, public sector funding models, and budget setting processes.

• Experience managing a small team in a complex service delivery environment.

• Highly proficient in Microsoft Excel and financial systems (e.g. Oracle PBCS).

• Strong data analysis skills with the ability to interpret trends and present insights clearly to non-technical stakeholders.

• Experience validating large, formula-driven invoices linked to contract performance data.

• Confident communicator, able to influence and advise at senior level.

• Knowledge of statutory reporting and compliance (e.g. WasteDataFlow or equivalent).

• Experience in waste management, environmental services or similar regulated sectors.

• Previous experience working in or with local authorities or public service organisations.

• Familiarity with the Environment Act 2021 and relevant funding streams (e.g. PEPR, EPR, New Burdens Funding).

Additional Information:

• The closing date: 29/09/2025 @00:00.

• This is a hybrid role (50% on-site) requiring 37 hours per week, for an initial 3-month assignment, with the potential for extension.

• Degree in Finance, Data Analytics, or a related field, with AAT Level 4 or equivalent