Rikin Tailor has spent almost two decades working in local government finance and is currently Director of Finance (deputy s151 officer) at Westminster City Council. Rikin started his career at the London Borough of Haringey, before joining the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames. Having previously worked in senior roles including Head of Corporate Finance at Westminster, he returned to the authority in May 2024 having spent just over a year as Deputy Director for Local Audit at the Financial Reporting Council (FRC). During his time at the FRC, he focussed on the local government audit backlog, working closely with the regulatory divisions of the FRC and DLUHC, CIPFA, NAO, PSAA and the ICAEW.   

His experience at the FRC has illustrated to him the importance of reform to Local Government finance – both from a funding and reporting perspective. And is keen that the backlog and the wider issues in the sector is a catalyst for this change.  

We sat down with Rikin in December 2024 to discuss his career journey so far and where he believes the future of finance is heading.

Hi, Rikin! Thanks for chatting with us today. Can you take us back to the beginning and talk us through your career journey to date? 

I began my career in local government finance as a trainee accountant at Haringey in 2008, just before the financial crisis and austerity measures took hold. With a degree in economics and politics, I was drawn to public service and wanted a role that would contribute to society. I gained early experience transitioning to international financial reporting standards and later became a capital accountant at Richmond Council, providing a solid foundation in corporate finance, budgeting, and stakeholder management. 

I was drawn to public service and wanted a role that would contribute to society.

At Westminster City Council, I worked on ambitious capital projects, progressing quickly from Finance Manager to Strategic Finance Manager, and eventually to Head of Corporate Finance. This role gave me a comprehensive view of the organisation, covering all aspects of finance, from adult and children’s services to corporate strategies. 

In 2023, I joined the Financial Reporting Council (FRC) to address the local audit backlog. This year-long stint broadened my perspective, allowing me to engage in thought leadership and leadership development. I built a new team, set ambitious objectives, and found the experience highly rewarding. 

Since returning to Westminster, I have continued to enjoy the variety of my role, from capital projects and social care to leisure contracts, waste management, and housing. This diversity keeps me engaged and reinforces the critical role of finance in local government. 

One of the most fulfilling yet challenging aspects of my job is optimising limited resources. As a senior leader, I frequently navigate difficult conversations while balancing technical details with strategic decision-making. My role allows me to be both a specialist and a generalist, offering broad exposure across local government finance. Finance is integral to all areas, as every service depends on a budget. 

In your opinion, what are the key financial challenges right now for your council and local government more broadly?

One significant challenge is the workforce shortage. We are seeing fewer people entering finance at trainee levels, exacerbated by demographic trends and competition from new industries like social media. While finance roles are increasingly technical, strong stakeholder management skills are equally crucial. The risks associated with the Section 151 role have grown over the last 10-15 years, which does make it a less attractive career choice for some. 

To ensure a sustainable pipeline of professionals, we need to demonstrate how local government finance offers progression and the chance to make a real impact. 

Beyond workforce concerns, financial pressures from housing shortages, social care demands, and homelessness are all areas of concern. Increased service demands require councils like Westminster to find sustainable solutions despite budget constraints. Prevention and cost avoidance are key strategies for us, addressing root causes and driving meaningful policy changes. 

Prevention and cost avoidance are key strategies for us, addressing root causes and driving meaningful policy changes.

Another pressing issue is the local government audit backlog. Financial statements have become increasingly complex, and the longer it takes for audits to complete, the greater the risk that corporate knowledge is lost within a council, which will compound the problem. 

Looking forward, what is on the horizon?  

Looking ahead, Westminster is committed to achieving net zero by 2030. We’re exploring green financing options and leveraging partnerships to create a sustainable environment. Finance plays a critical role in assessing the outcomes of green investments and ensuring meaningful impact. 

The push toward commercial property investment has had mixed success, which has made the sector more risk averse. But adopting a more commercial mindset generally is beneficial for councils, particularly managing large contracts and identifying new funding streams.  

Adopting a more commercial mindset generally is beneficial for councils, particularly managing large contracts and identifying new funding streams.  

Technology and AI offer opportunities to address workforce challenges and improve efficiency. Just as technology reshapes daily life, local authorities must consider how it can support public service delivery while acknowledging and managing ethical implications and limitations. 

Westminster benefits from a skilled workforce to face this future, but gaps remain, particularly in junior roles and succession planning. Financial professionals need both technical expertise and strong stakeholder management abilities. Additionally, accounting qualifications need to evolve to incorporate digital and green finance components. 

Finally, what advice would you give someone entering local government finance at the start of their career? 

For those starting their careers in local government finance, my advice is to build a strong foundation. Take advantage of all opportunities but avoid rushing into promotions too quickly. Focus on obtaining qualifications and immersing yourself in the sector. Over time, you’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of how local government finance operates and how you can influence both your authority and the wider sector. 

Take advantage of all opportunities but avoid rushing into promotions too quickly.

A career in local government finance is varied and fulfilling. By mastering the fundamentals and developing a broad skill set, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate challenges and make a meaningful impact on your community.