The roles

Salary: £78,168 - £86,845
Closing date: Monday 21^st April 2025

Slough is a dynamic economic hub at the gateway to London and the Thames Valley, with excellent transport links including the Elizabeth line and proximity to Heathrow Airport. We are seeking exceptional finance professionals ready for a challenging, career-defining role. With a new S151 officer and a balanced budget for 2025/26, we are poised for financial resilience and a bright future. Our Finance and Procurement Teams have a robust improvement programme focused on career development. Be part of our critical transformation and thrive in a supportive, demanding environment.

Responsible for: Housing Benefit, Housing Benefit Overpayments, Discretionary Housing Payments, Council Tax Support, Debt & Welfare Advice, Adult Social Care Financial Assessments, Deputyship & Appointeeship, Systems and Controls

Role Overview: We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Head of Welfare Services to join our management team. Reporting to the Director of Revenues and Welfare Services, you will lead a team responsible for various welfare services, ensuring compliance, efficiency, and high-quality service delivery.

Responsibilities:

• Oversee financial responsibilities amounting to approximately £50 million
• Manage housing benefit claims for pension age and temporary accommodation, and council tax support for 6,500 recipients
• Develop and consult on council tax support schemes, working with members and preparing cabinet and council papers
• Lead the Debt and Welfare team in providing comprehensive debt and benefit advice, managing payments from the discretionary housing payments, and the household support funds
• Supervise the Deputyship & Appointeeship team in managing state benefits and wider assets for those unable to manage them themselves
• Ensure quality assurance, training, and development across revenues and welfare services, managing data quality and digital transformation
• Line manage 3 direct reports (Benefits Manager, Debt and Welfare Manager, Systems and Controls Manager) and indirectly oversee a team of 54

Ideal Candidate Profile:

• Strong knowledge and experience of delivering and improving housing benefit, discretionary housing payments, council tax support, and debt and welfare services
• Experience in local government environment working across service boundaries and with external partners to support vulnerable residents
• Proven ability to develop and lead multiple teams, providing guidance, support and mentoring
• Proactive, driven, and able to make informed decisions quickly
• Savvy political engagement and communication skills
• Excellent knowledge and experience of using data and insight to focus resources to achieve the best results
• Ability to write and present compelling business cases and proposals

Are you ready to lead and transform Slough's financial landscape? We need resilient, adaptable professionals who can develop sustainable strategies, drive procurement excellence, and support broader economic objectives. If you thrive on complexity and see challenges as opportunities, join us in making a real difference. We offer a genuine career-defining opportunity for those who are prepared to step up, challenge the status quo, and make a real difference. If you are a finance professional who thrives on complexity, sees challenges as opportunities, and wants to be part of a transformative journey, we want to hear from you. Apply now and turn potential into performance.

Closing date:  Monday 21^st2025

For more information please contact Andrew Barton, CIPFA Penna on andrew.barton@penna.com / D +44 (0) 7922 386 432

Salary: £78,168 - £86,845
Closing date:  Monday 21^st April 2025

Slough is a dynamic economic hub at the gateway to London and the Thames Valley, with excellent transport links including the Elizabeth line and proximity to Heathrow Airport. We are seeking exceptional finance professionals ready for a challenging, career-defining role. With a new S151 officer and a balanced budget for 2025/26, we are poised for financial resilience and a bright future. Our Finance and Procurement Teams have a robust improvement programme focused on career development. Be part of our critical transformation and thrive in a supportive, demanding and rewarding environment.

We are seeking a proactive and experienced Head of Revenues to join our team. Reporting to the Director of Revenues and Welfare Services, this role is crucial in maximising income to the council while understanding that the cost of living crisis is affecting residents ability to pay council tax, rent, and other financial commitments. You will drive up collection rates, manage billing and recovery processes, and lead a committed team through a significant period of change and transformation that will include new technologies and the move to a proactive supportive approach to collection.

Responsibilities:

• Collection of over £350m in 2025/26
• Continue to improve council tax, housing rent and accounts receivable collection rates
• Manage billing, administration, and recovery of council tax
• Conduct data cleansing to understand and optimise collection processes
• Incorporate new recovery measures to enforce and collect outstanding debts
• Own and manage the re-procurement of business rates service partner
• Sensitively address arrears in adult social care charges
• Sit on the council’s debt board
• Managing 3 direct reports (Revenues Manager, Housing Recovery Manager, AP/AR Manager)
• Liaise with business rates contractor to delivery efficient and timely services

Key Priorities:

• Drive up collection rates and improve billing and recovery processes
• Utilise all available powers to enforce and collect debts
• Manage re-procurement of business rates service partner
• Address adult social care arrears effectively and sensitively
• Engage politically with Members and the council’s corporate leadership team developing and presenting business cases and cabinet proposals
• Transform the culture of the service and establish best-in-class protocols ensuring officers have the tools to do the job
• Embed a methodology of using data and insight to drive what we do

Ideal Candidate Profile:

• Experience in leading and imporoving billing and collection of council tax, business rates, housing rent, accounts receivable and adult social care charges
• Strong understanding of debt management and enforcement measures and their use in driving up collection
• Ability to transform service culture and address legacy issues
• Innovative and risk-taking mindset, compliant but forward-thinking
• Savvy political engagement and communication skills
• Excellent knowledge and experience of using data and insight to focus resources to achieve the best results
• Ability to write and present compelling business cases and proposals

Are you ready to lead and transform Slough's financial landscape? We need resilient, adaptable professionals who can develop sustainable strategies, drive procurement excellence, and support broader economic objectives. If you thrive on complexity and see challenges as opportunities, join us in making a real difference. We offer a genuine career-defining opportunity for those who are prepared to step up, challenge the status quo, and make a real difference. If you are a finance professional who thrives on complexity, sees challenges as opportunities, and wants to be part of a transformative journey, we want to hear from you. Apply now and turn potential into performance.

Closing date:  Monday 21^st April 2025

For more information please contact Andrew Barton, CIPFA Penna on andrew.barton@penna.com / D +44 (0) 7922 386 432

Salary: £78,168 - £86,845
Closing date: Wednesday 30^th April 2025

Slough is a dynamic economic hub at the gateway to London and the Thames Valley, with excellent transport links including the Elizabeth line and proximity to Heathrow Airport. We are seeking exceptional finance professionals ready for a challenging, career-defining role. With a new S151 officer and a balanced budget for 2025/26, we are poised for financial resilience and a bright future. Our Finance and Procurement Teams have a robust improvement programme focused on career development. Be part of our critical transformation and thrive in a supportive, demanding environment.

Join an energetic and dynamic team as the Head of Resource Systems. Slough is dedicated to achieving ambitious finance goals and maintaining a high-performance culture. You will be pivotal in advancing the council’s reputation by delivering top-tier Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) accounting systems and other finance related systems (Resource systems). Collaborating with various teams and stakeholders, you will help create an effective and sustainable organisation that provides exceptional value to residents. This role is instrumental in shaping finance strategies and pushing boundaries for continuous improvement.

Responsibilities:

• Lead a team with direct oversight of 2 members and indirect guidance of 3
• Manage financial contracts valued at £300,000
• Develop innovative ERP systems and other finance related systems
• Collaborate with various teams and stakeholders to drive continuous improvement

What You Will Do:

• Lead and develop a talented resources systems team for successful financial outcomes
• Ensure effective financial control and assurance within council systems
• Maintain influential relationships with senior stakeholders to understand future needs and risks
• Oversee contracts with resource system suppliers to ensure ERP system integrity and development
• Promote continuous improvement within finance using KPIs and aligning with the council's vision

Your Skills:

• Proven expertise in ERP systems, including data management, governance, and analytics
• Strong leadership skills with experience navigating challenging environments
• Ability to lead and manage change in complex organizational settings
• Excellent communication skills to build influential relationships with stakeholders
• Commitment to equality and diversity in the workplace, fostering a positive environment

Are you ready to lead and transform Slough's financial landscape? We need resilient, adaptable professionals who can develop sustainable strategies, drive procurement excellence, and support broader economic objectives. If you thrive on complexity and see challenges as opportunities, join us in making a real difference. We offer a genuine career-defining opportunity for those who are prepared to step up, challenge the status quo, and make a real difference. If you are a finance professional who thrives on complexity, sees challenges as opportunities, and wants to be part of a transformative journey, we want to hear from you. Apply now and turn potential into performance.

Closing date: Wednesday 30^th April 2025

For more information please contact Andrew Barton, CIPFA Penna on andrew.barton@penna.com / D +44 (0) 7922 386 432

Salary: £66,419 - £86,845
Closing date: Wednesday 30^th April 2025

Slough is a dynamic economic hub at the gateway to London and the Thames Valley, with excellent transport links including the Elizabeth line and proximity to Heathrow Airport. We are seeking exceptional finance professionals ready for a challenging, career-defining role. With a new S151 officer and a balanced budget for 2025/26, we are poised for financial resilience and a bright future. Our Finance and Procurement Teams have a robust improvement programme focused on career development. Be part of our critical transformation and thrive in a supportive, demanding environment.

We are seeking dynamic finance professionals to lead three critical services areas specifically Children’s Services, Strategy & Reporting and Capital & Treasury. Join our Finance and Commercial senior management team to lead and collaborate with council Members, services, partners, and stakeholders. Drive the council's objectives and priorities, model our values, and build a highly effective organisation delivering great value to residents.

SFM Treasury and Capital

We are seeking a dynamic finance professional to lead the Council’s Treasury Management and Capital Strategy functions, including development and coordination of the capital programme. You will lead on development of the Treasury Management Strategy, and reporting on its performance, manage the Council’s cash, borrowing and investments, and ensure we operate in accordance with professional standards. You will lead a team of 6, to deliver the highest standards of treasury management, ensure our members and key stakeholders understand the importance of effectively managing our cash, and support our key strategy of debt reduction – and delivering best value for our residents.

SFM Children’s Services

We are seeking a dynamic finance professional to lead the Children’s Services finance team. Leading a team of 6, the current focus is on Education Finance, particularly the High Needs block of the DSG and financial oversight of our Safety Valve agreement. During the year, the role is due to assume responsibility for financial oversight of Slough Children’s First, our wholly owned company delivering Children’s Social Care.

SFM Strategy & Reporting

We are seeking a dynamic finance professional to lead the Strategy & Reporting function. The role is in a small team but will work closely with the S151 officer, and the Director of Financial Management and Strategy. The focus of the role will be to drive the Council’s Medium-term financial strategy and oversee the creation of Budgets as well as in-year reporting. The role will build relationships with senior leaders in the Council and fellow professionals within the department.

Join our Finance and Commercial senior management team to lead and collaborate with council Members, services, partners, and stakeholders. Drive the council's objectives and priorities, model our values, and build a highly effective organisation delivering great value to residents.

What you will do:

• Financial Strategy: Shape the service area’s direction, develop medium-term financial plans, and foster continuous improvement.
• Service Leadership: Lead service delivery, improvement, and performance, providing inspirational leadership to your team.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Communicate and influence within the council and with external partners to delivery best-in-class services for residents.
• Business Change: Lead change management programs for continual improvement and support staff in a period of transformation for the council.
• Compliance: Ensure activities comply with council regulations and manage performance and risk.

Your skills:

• Proven track record in leading and developing significant transformational change ideally within local government 
• Experience of either one of the three critical service areas Children’s Services, Strategy & Reporting or Capital & Treasury
• Knowledge of local government issues, public sector management, and statutory responsibilities
• Building partnerships and productive relationships within complex policy and service environments
• Successful resource management in multi-disciplinary environments, managing large budgets, business planning, and performance management
• Commissioning and analysing data to inform future strategy and policy 

Are you ready to lead and transform Slough's financial landscape? We need resilient, adaptable professionals who can develop sustainable strategies, drive procurement excellence, and support broader economic objectives. If you thrive on complexity and see challenges as opportunities, join us in making a real difference. We offer a genuine career-defining opportunity for those who are prepared to step up, challenge the status quo, and make a real difference. If you are a finance professional who thrives on complexity, sees challenges as opportunities, and wants to be part of a transformative journey, we want to hear from you. Apply now and turn potential into performance. 

Closing date: Wednesday 30^th April 2025

For more information please contact Andreas Efthymiou, CIPFA Penna on Andreas.Efthymiou@penna.com / D +44 (0) 7546 415 794

Salary: £51,802 - £ 57,160.05
Closing date: Wednesday 30^th April 2025

Slough is a dynamic economic hub at the gateway to London and the Thames Valley, with excellent transport links including the Elizabeth line and proximity to Heathrow Airport. We are seeking exceptional finance professionals ready for a challenging, career-defining role. With a new S151 officer and a balanced budget for 2025/26, we are poised for financial resilience and a bright future. Our Finance and Procurement Teams have a robust improvement programme focused on career development. Be part of our critical transformation and thrive in a supportive, demanding environment.

The scale of the recruitment change reflects the opportunities that exist at Slough, and the challenges. The new Finance team will help support the Council to become a Best Value authority within two years. You have the opportunity to be part of the new team that achieves.

We have defined slots across various service areas and are seeking energetic and talented finance professionals to join our team. You will provide dynamic business partnering services to one of the following areas:

• Finance Business Partner – Corporate Reporting
• Finance Business Partner – Capital
• Finance Business Partner – Financial Strategy & Reporting
• Finance Business Partner – Adults
• Finance Business Partner – Education
• Finance Business Partner – Education (High Needs)
• Finance Business Partner – Regeneration (Planning & Property)
• Finance Business Partner – Housing
• Finance Business Partner – Environment
• Finance Business Partner – Public Health & Public Protection
• Finance Business Partner – Corporate Resources
• Finance Business Partner – Revenue & Benefits

Responsibilities:

• Financial Reporting: Manage financial reporting processes and ensure accuracy of the accounts
• Capital: Coordinates and supports the Council’s capital programmes including funding
• Financial Strategy & Reporting: Coordinating Medium Term Financial Plan and monthly management reporting
• Adults: Oversee financial operations in adult services
• Education: Support financial management in Education including schools
• Education (High Needs) : Dedicated support for Special Education Needs & Disability (SEND)
• Regeneration Housing and Environment: Manage finances for regeneration, housing, and environmental services
• Public Health & Public Protection: Supporting financial management across services
• Corporate Resources: Supporting Chief Executive and S151 officer and their enabling teams
• Revenue & Benefits: Supporting critical services that administer council tax, business rates, and housing benefits

What You Will Do:

• Provide financial oversight and support across various services
• Ensure accurate cost monitoring and forecasting based on quantifiable metrics
• Collaborate with stakeholders to drive service delivery and performance
• Utilise technology and accounting systems (Microsoft, Agresso) effectively

Your Skills:

• Newly qualified or ambitious finance professionals with a post-qualification experience
• Chartered qualification preferred but not essential
• Strong aptitude for numbers and ability to communicate financial information
• Driven and energetic with a passion for finance
• Adept with technology and standard accounting tools

Are you ready to transform Slough's financial landscape? We need resilient, adaptable professionals who can develop sustainable strategies, drive procurement excellence, and support broader economic objectives. If you thrive on complexity and see challenges as opportunities, join us in making a real difference. We offer a genuine career-defining opportunity for those who are prepared to step up, challenge the status quo, and make a real difference. If you are a finance professional who thrives on complexity, sees challenges as opportunities, and wants to be part of a transformative journey, we want to hear from you. Apply now and turn potential into performance.

Closing date: Wednesday 30^th April 2025

Salary: £45,718 - £50,788
Closing date: Wednesday 30^th April 2025

Slough is a dynamic economic hub at the gateway to London and the Thames Valley, with excellent transport links including the Elizabeth line and proximity to Heathrow Airport. We are seeking exceptional finance professionals ready for a challenging, career-defining role. With a new S151 officer and a balanced budget for 2025/26, we are poised for financial resilience and a bright future. Our Finance and Procurement Teams have a robust improvement programme focused on career development. Be part of our critical transformation and thrive in a supportive, demanding environment.

We are seeking an experienced and proactive Risk & Insurance Manager to join our team. This role would appeal to a dynamic manager with experience in risk management and insurance. The ideal candidate will have a corporate risk background as well as insurance management, claims handling and procurement skills, and be adept with technology, including Microsoft tools and the Agresso accounting system.

Responsibilities:

• Oversee budget management and control
• Build and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders
• Drive the working practice and ensure effective risk management
• Understand and manage risk management requirements
• Update the risk management framework and provide corporate risk quarterly updates
• Ensure directives have the necessary support and information
• Challenge the status quo and drive change in respect of risk and insurance

What You Will Do:

• Manage budgets and control financial aspects of risk management
• Engage with stakeholders and build strong relationships
• Drive improvements in working practices of risk management
• Update and review risk management frameworks and corporate risk updates

Your Skills:

• Experienced in risk management
• Insurance, claims handling and insurance procurement skills
• Proficient with Microsoft tools and Agresso accounting system
• Excellent budget management and control abilities
• Strong stakeholder management and relationship-building skills
• Proactive and driven with a strong aptitude for numbers
• Good data management and mining skills
• Fully qualified, with a preference for candidates with a background in risk management

Are you ready to lead and transform Slough's financial landscape? We need resilient, adaptable professionals who can develop sustainable strategies, drive procurement excellence, and support broader economic objectives. If you thrive on complexity and see challenges as opportunities, join us in making a real difference. We offer a genuine career-defining opportunity for those who are prepared to step up, challenge the status quo, and make a real difference. If you are a risk & insurance professional who wants to be part of a transformative journey, we want to hear from you. Apply now and turn potential into performance.

Closing date: Wednesday 30^th April 2025

For more information please contact Brian Gallagher, CIPFA Penna on brian.gallagher@penna.com / D +44 (0) 7716 098 175

Salary: £45,718 - £50,788
Closing date: Wednesday 30^th April 2025

Slough is a dynamic economic hub at the gateway to London and the Thames Valley, with excellent transport links including the Elizabeth line and proximity to Heathrow Airport. We are seeking exceptional finance professionals ready for a challenging, career-defining role. With a new S151 officer and a balanced budget for 2025/26, we are poised for financial resilience and a bright future. Our Finance and Procurement Teams have a robust improvement programme focused on career development. Be part of our critical transformation and thrive in a supportive, demanding environment.

We are seeking two proactive and experienced Procurement Specialists to join our team. These roles offer a varied and diverse portfolio which can include providing procurement expertise in areas such as highways, construction, children's services, adult social care, and IT. The ideal candidates will have a CIPS or MCIPS qualification or be working towards it (at least level 4).

Responsibilities:

• Lead procurement processes across various services, ensuring compliance and best value
• Collaborate with commissioners and stakeholders to drive service delivery and performance
• Manage 3rd party spend effectively, focusing on cost-benefit and added value
• Shape and implement the procurement strategy for the council
• Ensure due diligence and compliance with the recently enacted UK Procurement Act 2023

What You Will Do:

• Develop and deliver innovative procurement solutions
• Monitor market trends and adapt procurement strategies accordingly
• Provide high-quality procurement support and advice
• Drive continuous improvement in procurement practices
• Network with sector adjacent organisations and understand funding streams and grants

Your Skills:

• At least 5 years’ experience in procurement, with a strong understanding of public procurement
• CIPS or MCIPS qualification (or working towards it)
• Excellent stakeholder management and relationship-building skills
• Ability to make difficult decisions and drive change
• Proactive approach with strong organisational skills

Are you ready to lead and transform Slough's financial landscape? We need resilient, adaptable professionals who can develop sustainable strategies, drive procurement excellence, and support broader economic objectives. If you thrive on complexity and see challenges as opportunities, join us in making a real difference. We offer a genuine career-defining opportunity for those who are prepared to step up, challenge the status quo, and make a real difference. If you are a finance professional who thrives on complexity, sees challenges as opportunities, and wants to be part of a transformative journey, we want to hear from you. Apply now and turn potential into performance.

Closing date: Wednesday 30^th April 2025

For more information please contact Andreas Efthymiou, CIPFA Penna on Andreas.Efthymiou@penna.com / D +44 (0) 7546 415 794

Salary: £51,802 - £ 57,160
Closing date: Wednesday 30^th April 2025

Slough is a dynamic economic hub at the gateway to London and the Thames Valley, with excellent transport links including the Elizabeth line and proximity to Heathrow Airport. We are seeking exceptional finance professionals ready for a challenging, career-defining role. With a new S151 officer and a balanced budget for 2025/26, we are poised for financial resilience and a bright future. Our Finance and Procurement Teams have a robust improvement programme focused on career development. Be part of our critical transformation and thrive in a supportive, demanding environment.

Join an energetic and dynamic team as the Resource Systems Manager. Slough is dedicated to achieving ambitious finance goals and maintaining a high-performance culture. You will be pivotal in advancing the council’s reputation by supporting the delivery of top-tier Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) accounting systems and other finance related systems (Resource systems). Collaborating with various teams and stakeholders, you will help support the creation of an effective and sustainable organisation that provides exceptional value to residents. This role is instrumental in shaping finance strategies and pushing boundaries for continuous improvement.

Responsibilities:

• Support the Head of Resource Systems
• Direct oversight of 2 members
• Support the management of financial contracts valued at £300,000
• Support the development of innovative ERP systems and other finance related systems
• Collaborate with various teams and stakeholders to drive continuous improvement

What You Will Do:

• Help develop a talented resources systems team for successful financial outcomes
• Ensure effective financial control and assurance within council systems
• Maintain influential relationships with senior stakeholders to understand future needs and risks
• Support contracts with resource system suppliers to ensure ERP system integrity and development
• Promote continuous improvement within finance using KPIs and aligning with the council's vision

Your Skills:

• Proven expertise in ERP systems, including data management, governance, and analytics
• Strong technical skills with experience navigating challenging environments
• Ability to support change in complex organizational settings
• Excellent communication skills to build influential relationships with stakeholders
• Commitment to equality and diversity in the workplace, fostering a positive environment

Are you ready to lead and transform Slough's financial landscape? We need resilient, adaptable professionals who can develop sustainable strategies, drive procurement excellence, and support broader economic objectives. If you thrive on complexity and see challenges as opportunities, join us in making a real difference. We offer a genuine career-defining opportunity for those who are prepared to step up, challenge the status quo, and make a real difference. If you are a finance professional who thrives on complexity, sees challenges as opportunities, and wants to be part of a transformative journey, we want to hear from you. Apply now and turn potential into performance.

Closing date: Wednesday 30^th April 2025

For more information please contact Brian Gallagher, CIPFA Penna on brian.gallagher@penna.com / D +44 (0) 7716 098 175