Interim Senior Financial Planning Manager

About the role

Spencer Clarke Group is partnering with a South East local authority to appoint an Interim Senior Financial Planning Manager. The role leads the council's financial planning, medium‑term financial strategy (MTFS) and budget‑setting activities while providing strategic advice to senior leaders and elected members.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the development, maintenance and delivery of the Council's MTFS.
• Coordinate annual revenue and capital budget setting, forecasting and financial modelling.
• Provide robust strategic financial advice and challenge to senior officers and elected Members.
• Lead monthly budget monitoring and quarterly financial performance reporting.
• Identify financial risks, funding pressures, savings opportunities and appropriate mitigations.
• Review business cases, investment proposals and transformation initiatives for affordability and deliverability.
• Produce clear reports for senior leadership, Cabinet, committees and Members.

Required profile

• Significant financial planning and budget‑setting experience within a Local Authority environment.
• Extensive experience developing and managing an MTFS, supported by strong modelling, forecasting and reporting skills.
• A strong understanding of Local Government finance, with experience advising senior officers and elected Members.