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- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and governance for Essex Police, shaping the future of policing.
- Company: Essex Police is a friendly, impactful force in a vibrant county with great living conditions.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, car allowance, and excellent local government pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in public safety while working in a supportive, collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with senior leadership experience, ideally in public sector finance.
- Other info: Opportunity for national travel and a chance to influence corporate strategy.
The predicted salary is between 85000 - 125000 £ per year.
An exceptional opportunity has arisen for a strategic, and commercially astute, finance leader to join Essex Police as our Chief Finance Officer (CFO). Essex Police is a force that is big enough to have an impact, but is both manageable and friendly. A real family force, in a county which is a great place to live and work. It has amazing rural and coastal areas, and with 3 growing cities and excellent transport links to the capital, it is a place to thrive.
As CFO, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the strategic direction of the organisation. As the senior finance advisor to the Chief Officer Group (Executive Board), you will contribute to critical decisions that influence the future of policing in Essex. This is a rare opportunity to lead a high-performing finance function, while also helping to drive transformation, innovation, and value across the Force.
Why Join Us?
This is so much more than a finance role – it’s a chance to shape the future of policing in Essex. You’ll be part of a forward-thinking leadership team, working in a dynamic, impactful environment, where your expertise will directly contribute to public safety and organisational excellence.
About the Role
Reporting to the Director of Support Services, and responsible to the Chief Constable, this senior leadership position has responsibility for the development and delivery of a comprehensive finance strategy that directly supports the operational and strategic priorities of Essex Police.
You will ensure the highest standards of financial stewardship, governance, and compliance, while also identifying opportunities to drive efficiencies and maximise the impact of public funding.
You will:
- Provide strategic financial leadership to the Chief Constable, Police Fire and Crime Commissioner, and senior stakeholders.
- Drive commercial thinking across the organisation, identifying opportunities for savings, investment, and innovation.
- Shape and influence corporate strategy, through active participation in the Chief Officer Group.
- Lead the Finance Department, ensuring effective delivery of all core services, including accounting, payroll, pensions, and financial planning.
- Ensure compliance with the Financial Management Code of Practice and relevant legislation.
- Act as Head of Profession for all finance staff and as Delegated Scheme Manager for the Police Officer Pension Scheme.
About You
You will be a qualified accountant (CCAB recognised) with significant post-qualification experience in senior financial leadership, ideally within a complex public sector environment. You will bring:
- A strong track record of strategic leadership and influencing at Board or Executive level.
- Commercial acumen and the ability to identify and deliver financial efficiencies.
- A clear understanding of public sector finance, governance, and risk.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
- A collaborative and values-driven leadership style, with a commitment to ethical standards and public service.
- A management qualification (e.g. MBA, DMS, or CIPFA Accredited Business Partner) is desirable.
You will receive a competitive salary, and range of benefits, including a car allowance. You will be part of an excellent local government pension scheme, and importantly a committed, collegiate, and friendly working environment. You will also make a difference to all those who live, work or visit Essex.
To discover more about this opportunity, please visit our recruitment partner’s website by clicking apply. If, having read the available information, you would like a confidential discussion to explore the role in more detail, prior to submitting your application, please contact Duncan Collins at: duncan.collins@gatenbysanderson.com or by telephone on 07586 705 475. If you have a disability, or need assistance completing the application process, please also contact Duncan for support.
Applications must be received by 23:59 hrs. on Monday 30 June 2025.
Contact Detail:
Essex Police Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Finance Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the public sector finance space. Attend relevant conferences or seminars where you can meet current CFOs or finance leaders from similar organisations. This can provide you with insights into the role and potentially lead to valuable connections.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with Essex Police's current financial strategies and challenges. Understanding their specific context will allow you to tailor your discussions and demonstrate how your experience aligns with their needs during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your strategic leadership experiences in detail. Be ready to share examples of how you've influenced decision-making at an executive level, particularly in a public sector environment, as this will be crucial for the CFO role.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your understanding of public sector finance regulations and governance. Being well-versed in these areas will not only help you stand out but also demonstrate your commitment to ethical standards and public service, which are vital for this position.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Finance Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Thoroughly read the job description for the Chief Finance Officer position at Essex Police. Make sure you understand the key responsibilities and required qualifications, as this will help you tailor your application.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your experience in strategic financial leadership, particularly in public sector environments. Use specific examples to demonstrate your commercial acumen and ability to drive efficiencies.
Showcase Your Qualifications: Clearly state your qualifications, including your CCAB recognition and any management qualifications like an MBA or CIPFA accreditation. This is crucial for a senior role like CFO, so make it prominent in your application.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a tailored cover letter that not only outlines your skills and experience but also conveys your passion for public service and commitment to ethical standards. Address how you can contribute to the strategic direction of Essex Police.
How to prepare for a job interview at Essex Police
✨Understand the Role Inside Out
Make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Chief Finance Officer, especially in a public sector context. Familiarise yourself with Essex Police's current financial strategies and challenges, as this will help you demonstrate your strategic thinking during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous leadership roles and how you've influenced financial strategy at an executive level. Highlight specific examples where your decisions have led to significant improvements or efficiencies, particularly in a complex environment.
✨Demonstrate Commercial Acumen
Be ready to talk about how you've identified and implemented cost-saving measures or innovative financial solutions in past roles. This is crucial for a CFO position, so think of concrete examples that showcase your ability to drive commercial thinking.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since the role involves working closely with various stakeholders, prepare to discuss how you've successfully engaged with different groups in the past. Emphasise your communication skills and your ability to build collaborative relationships, which are essential for influencing corporate strategy.
