Location
Wandsworth Town Hall, London

Hours
Full Time – 36 hours per week

Salary
£48,873 - £59,220 per annum

About the Role
Wandsworth Council manages one of London's largest and most ambitious Housing Revenue Accounts (HRA), overseeing more than £180m of annual housing expenditure and a capital investment programme exceeding £660m over the next three years. This is an exciting opportunity to join the housing finance team and contribute to a strong programme of investment focused on improving homes, estates, and services for residents. The role supports ambitious plans to maintain and enhance housing stock, support sustainable communities, and drive long-term improvements.

The Housing Revenue Account Strategic Financial Advisor is a newly created position within the central finance team, working closely with the housing team. You will be at the heart of strategic decision-making, providing high-quality strategic financial leadership, planning, and analysis to ensure the long-term sustainability of the HRA.

This role offers the chance to influence long-term business planning, capital investment decisions, treasury and funding strategies, and the financial sustainability of one of the country's leading local authority housing services. Your financial expertise will directly support the delivery of the organisation’s housing objectives and help shape the future of council housing in the borough.

Key Responsibilities
- Lead the preparation, development, and monitoring of the HRA 30-year business plan, ensuring alignment with corporate and housing strategies.
- Provide strategic financial advice to senior leaders, Cabinet Members, and service directors.
- Drive financial modelling and scenario analysis related to rent policy, inflation, investment needs, and housing growth.
- Ensure compliance with statutory requirements, CIPFA Codes of Practice, and local government financial frameworks.
- Oversee annual budgets, forecasts, and medium-term financial plans for the HRA.
- Lead production of HRA outturn and monitoring reports with variance analysis and performance insights.
- Provide timely financial information to support housing, asset management, and capital investment decisions.
- Collaborate with internal and external audit and treasury teams to maintain strong governance.
- Support financial planning for the housing capital programme, including new builds and major repairs.
- Work with Directorates on financial appraisal of housing development, regeneration, and stock investment projects.
- Optimise capital financing decisions including borrowing, grants, and reserves.
- Build strong partnerships across service areas and provide financial guidance to non-financial managers.
- Represent the organisation at internal and external forums on HRA and housing finance matters.

Experience
- CCAB-qualified accountant or equivalent.
- Significant experience in local authority or social housing finance, particularly managing or advising on HRAs.
- Proven expertise in long-term financial planning, business modelling, and investment appraisal.
- Strong understanding of housing policy, capital financing frameworks, and rent setting regulations.
- Experience using financial planning tools with excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Attention to detail and accuracy in financial reporting.
- Strong communication and presentation skills, able to explain complex financial issues to non-financial audiences.

About You
You are a strategic thinker with a passion for public service and housing finance. You have the ability to influence senior stakeholders and work collaboratively across teams. You are committed to delivering sustainable financial solutions that support housing objectives and community wellbeing.

Qualifications
CCAB-qualified accountant or equivalent professional qualification is essential.