There has never been a more exciting - or challenging - time to be involved in local government, especially finance.  We are in a period of significant change and opportunity.

Change, because we all know funding for public services is reducing, and local government will have to deliver a significant level of savings.

Opportunity, because London’s local authorities are among the highest performers in the country: this makes London an exciting place for innovation and leadership. And London’s local councils are big business: they spend billions of pounds each year on providing services to local residents, such as schools, parks, housing and other infrastructure.

London Councils’ Finance & Improvement Team works to ensure a fair level of funding for London local government. We have to be compelling and persuasive in argument: fully fluent in data, information and evidence in order to influence government, elected politicians, Whitehall and others.

Requirements

An understanding of local government and the key issues affecting councils is essential, as is the ability to learn and grasp new complex concepts quickly. An understanding of finance and accounting would be beneficial, though not essential.

In this role, you will be required to identify and undertake research and analysis to support and advise borough Leaders, Chief Executives and Treasurers on issues related to local government finance. You will provide analytical support to finance officers across London local government, undertaking quantitative analysis and modelling to advise on the current and future funding of local government in London.

You will develop policy arguments and lobby on behalf of London boroughs in order to influence funding decisions made by Government that impact on local government services, including responding to Government consultations and influencing civil servants in Whitehall.

You will be innovative and bring new ideas to the table in supporting colleagues to develop policy positions across a range of local government services.

It is important that you are politically aware with the ability to exercise judgement, discretion and confidentiality when dealing with politicians and officers at all levels. This will be complemented by good presentation, research and analytical skills.

This role offers a position at the forefront of local government finance in London.

London Councils represents the 32 boroughs and the City of London. We aim to get the best deal for Londoners and to ensure that London’s councils have the resources, freedoms and powers to do the best possible job for their residents and local businesses.

We also run a number of services on behalf of the boroughs including the Freedom Pass, Taxicard and Health Emergency Badge.

To apply online please visit https://jobs.londoncouncils.gov.uk/

Closing date: 12 Noon, Monday 8 April 2019.

Interview dates: 23/24 April 2019.

Alternatively, please contact 020 7332 3978 (24-hour Answer phone) quoting reference number LC734 if you experience any problems. A minicom service for the hearing impaired available on 020 7332 3732.

As a Disability Confident Employer, London Councils will interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the post