Director of Finance (Services)

Shape the future of public finance in one of London’s most dynamic boroughs.

Hackney is bold, diverse and ambitious. We’re looking for a finance leader who matches that energy. As Director of Finance (Services), you’ll play a vital role at the heart of one of London’s most progressive councils, driving financial resilience, strategic planning and service excellence across our organisation.

This is more than a technical leadership role. It’s a strategic post with real influence; you’ll lead a talented team of over 60 staff and manage a £3 million budget that supports every corner of the Council. Reporting directly to the Group Director of Finance & Corporate Resources, you’ll take the lead on core financial operations, help steer our Medium Term Financial Plan, and drive performance in how we deliver value for money and improve outcomes for our residents.

We’re looking for someone who brings a wealth of public sector finance experience and is a CCAB-qualified accountant, ideally CIPFA, with extensive experience in local government and the credibility to engage with senior officers, elected Members, and external partners. You’ll be politically astute, forward-thinking, and confident operating in a high-profile environment with competing priorities. But you’ll also be an empowering leader, committed to inclusion, collaboration and continuous improvement.

Hackney has a proud track record of financial stability and innovation in service delivery. We are looking for someone who can build on that success and help us go further in transforming the way we use resources, make systems smarter, and ensure every pound we spend has purpose.

In return, you’ll be part of an inclusive, ambitious organisation that invests in its people. You’ll benefit from flexible working, excellent benefits, and the opportunity to help shape the future of public services in one of the UK’s most exciting urban boroughs.

As a Council, our most outstanding asset is our staff, who are highly dedicated to serving our residents and committed to our goals as an organisation.

If you want to work in a place where you can represent our values so we achieve the best for our residents, please click on the apply button below.

We operate a fair and open anonymous selection process. Therefore, we do not accept supporting statements or CV’s.

To proceed with your application, you will need to create an account and submit your application.

As part of the application process, you will need to complete a number of competency based questions. These questions allow you to demonstrate your suitability for the role and provide examples of your skills, knowledge and experience outlined in the job description.

We understand the benefits of using AI in the workplace. However, if you are thinking of using this tool to submit your application, we ask you to think about what value it will add. AI tools tend to lack the personal touch and authenticity we value in candidates. We encourage you to showcase your unique knowledge and skills using your own voice.

This application process replaces a supporting statement.

Closing date for applications: 11 August 2025 (22:59)

Interview date: 20 August and 2nd September 2025

We are also working towards our vision, which is to be a place for everyone; where residents and staff can be proud; a place that celebrates diversity and where everyone can feel valued, included and involved. In order to achieve this, we look for people who are: Proud; Ambitious; Pioneering; Open; Proactive; Inclusive.

Hackney Council works to eradicate discrimination on the basis of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation. We also recognise that people can be disadvantaged by their social and economic circumstances, so we will also work to eliminate discrimination and disadvantage caused by social class. We also welcome those interested in flexible working. We particularly welcome applications from disabled people, as this group is currently under represented in our workforce.

The Council has a dedicated employment support service (Hackney Works), which offers Hackney residents guidance in relation to applying for jobs. If you are thinking about applying for a job, please contact the Hackney Works team to find out what support is available: hackneyworks@hackney.gov.uk