Head of Treasury and Pensions

Job Title: Head of Treasury and Pensions

Application closing date:Sunday 18th May 2025 at 23:59pm

Location: London Borough of Harrow, Forward Drive, Harrow, HA3 8FL

Salary: £78,849pa - £86,769pa

Employment Type: Permanent

Harrow is one of the most diverse places in the country. It is the 12th largest London Borough in terms of geographical area covering an area of approximately 50 sq km and over a quarter of the borough consists of open space, much of which is designated green belt or Metropolitan Open Land. Harrow has a strong entrepreneurial tradition with over 16,140 businesses located in the borough. It is well connected to London and the rest of the UK.

We are looking to appoint a strategic and experienced finance professional to lead our Treasury and Pensions function. As the Head of Treasury and Pensions, you will oversee all aspects of treasury management, provide expert advice on pension fund activities, and assume responsibility for the strategic direction and management of the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).

This is a pivotal role within our Finance Management Team, contributing to the development of corporate financial policies and practices, and driving continuous improvement across the Finance function.

Key Responsibilities include:

• Lead on developing, implementing, and monitoring the annual Treasury Management Strategy, including prudential indicators.
• Ensure compliance with treasury policies, statutory requirements, and best practices; regularly review these policies and practices
• Manage the Council’s cashflow, investments, and borrowing to optimize returns and minimize risk.
• Maintain relationships with external advisors, institutions, and contractors; prepare required reports for Cabinet.
• Monitor overall treasury performance and provide benchmarking reports.
• Oversee the Council’s banking arrangements, including bank mandates and retendering processes.
• Provide technical advice on treasury management and investment matters across the Council.
• Lead on Pension Fund investment strategy and governance, including oversight of the Funding Strategy Statement and Investment Principles.
• Support and advise the Pension Fund Committee and Board; manage training programs for members.
• Monitor and direct the activities of the Pension Fund Investment Advisor, Actuary, and investment managers.
• Liaise with actuaries on funding and accounting matters; advise the S151 officer on their proposals.
• Prepare Pension Fund accounts and liaise with auditors.
• Ensure systems are compliant with accounting/audit standards and pension contributions are accurately processed and accounted for.
• Complete statutory returns and calculations
• Maintain relationships with key stakeholders including auditors, government departments, and pension-related bodies.
• Respond to legislative consultations and represent the Council at national forums.
• Ensure effective communication of LGPS updates and legislation changes to scheme members and employers.
• Manage accounts and investments for trust and charity funds
• Lead or support improvement and cross-departmental projects, including pension administration partnerships.
• Support the Strategic Director of Finance in fulfilling S151 responsibilities.
• Perform other duties appropriate to the role.

To be suitable for the role you need to hold a?CCAB accountancy qualification or equivalent and ideally a treasury and pension related qualification. You will have up to date knowledge of treasury and pension fund regulations applicable to the public sector and substantial experience at a senior level of pensions or complex financial management in a large complex organisation, as well as experience of treasury management, policies and procedures.

The successful applicant will have excellent communication and presentation skills and will have experience of working with senior level stakeholders.

To apply, please submit your CV alongside a supporting statement (no more than two pages) stating why you are interested in applying, what you can bring to this role and highlighting your relevant experience and suitability.

Equal opportunities

Harrow Council is an inclusive employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. Subject to business needs, we will be pleased to consider applications from candidates seeking flexible working arrangements and support hybrid working, whereby staff attend the workplace for part of their working week and work from home, or elsewhere, remotely for the rest of the time.

As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the advertised role.?

Harrow Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment.