A Head of HRA Finance is a senior executive role specializing in the strategic financial management of public and social housing. This critical leadership position sits at the intersection of finance, public policy, and social impact, responsible for the stewardship of the Housing Revenue Account (HRA). The HRA is a legally ring-fenced account that tracks all income and expenditure related to a local authority's own housing stock, including council housing, maintenance, and major improvements. Professionals seeking Head of HRA Finance jobs are typically qualified accountants who move beyond technical number-crunching to become strategic advisors, ensuring the long-term sustainability and compliance of vital housing services. The core responsibility of a Head of HRA Finance is to provide comprehensive financial leadership for the HRA and often related areas like Temporary Accommodation (TA). This involves developing and overseeing complex, multi-year budgets and forecasts that align with the organization's housing strategy and regulatory requirements. They lead a finance team, fostering a culture of accuracy and accountability, and are the authoritative voice on all HRA-related financial matters. A typical day involves presenting detailed reports, business cases, and financial models to senior leadership, elected officials, and governance boards, translating intricate financial data into clear, actionable insights for non-financial stakeholders. Common responsibilities across these roles include ensuring strict statutory compliance, robust financial governance, and demonstrable value for money in all housing-related investments and services. They oversee the setting of dwelling rents and service charges in line with policy, manage major capital programs for housing refurbishment and new builds, and implement strong internal controls. Furthermore, they play a key role in strategic planning, assessing the financial viability of housing development projects, managing risks associated with the housing portfolio, and navigating the complex regulatory landscape of public sector housing finance. Typical skills and requirements for candidates exploring Head of HRA Finance jobs are stringent. A professional accounting qualification (e.g., CCAB, CIMA, ACCA) is almost universally essential, coupled with deep, hands-on experience in local government finance and a specialist understanding of HRA regulations, accounting, and funding. Beyond technical expertise, success demands exceptional leadership and team management skills, strategic vision, and superior communication and influencing abilities. The ideal candidate possesses a strong ethical compass, a commitment to public service, and the commercial acumen to ensure the housing portfolio's financial health, directly impacting community well-being and housing availability.
