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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead Kingston's financial strategy and ensure excellence in financial governance.
- Company: Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames, a historic and ambitious local authority.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team driving transformation and innovation in local government finance.
- Why this job: Shape the future of finance in a vibrant community with diverse opportunities.
- Qualifications: CCAB or CIMA qualified accountant with senior leadership experience.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 121445 £ per year.
A Royal Borough with ambition, purpose and impact. The Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames is London’s oldest Royal borough – a place shaped by a thousand years of civic leadership and still defined today by ambition, culture and community. With a population of 168,000 and a bold vision for inclusive growth, regeneration, climate action and financial resilience, Kingston offers a platform for senior leaders who are driven by purpose, partnership and lasting civic impact.
This is a borough of contrast and opportunity – from thriving town centres and world-class education to significant regeneration programmes and a rich, diverse community with global heritage, including the largest Korean population in the UK and a vibrant Sri Lankan Tamil community. Kingston is also a place of financial responsibility and reform, where resilience, transformation and accountability underpin strategic decision-making at every level.
The Opportunity
As Director of Finance and Deputy Section 151 Officer, you will be one of two senior leaders shaping the direction, ambition and performance of the Shared Finance Service (SFS), with responsibility for delivering Kingston’s financial strategy including excellence in performance and governance. Acting as the deputy to the Section 151 Officer, you will take strategic leadership for Kingston’s core finance function – driving excellence in financial stewardship, ensuring integrity of financial reporting, shaping the Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS), and positioning the Council to meet both current and future challenges.
You will play a central role in advising Members, the Chief Executive and senior leadership team on complex financial, regulatory and commercial matters, while leading a broad portfolio spanning financial planning, business partnering, external audit, pensions, capital & treasury, revenues & benefits and financial inclusion.
Scope & Strategic Influence
As Director of Finance, you will act as the deputy to the S151 Officer and have stewardship and oversight of:
- A net revenue budget of c.£193m (General Fund), plus HRA, DSG and Pension Fund investments
- A finance workforce of over 160 FTE across the shared service structure
- Full production of Kingston’s annual accounts and audit reporting
- Responsibility for financial resilience, statutory controls and assurance
- Strategic leadership of capital, treasury, pensions, revenues & benefits and financial inclusion
- Supporting corporate transformation and major change programmes
- Shaping a future-ready, data-driven and commercially aware finance function
About You
We are seeking an exceptional senior finance leader with the credibility, resilience and drive to influence strategic decision-making at the highest levels. You will:
- Be a CCAB or CIMA qualified accountant and eligible to deputise for the S151
- Have significant senior leadership experience within local government or a comparable complex public body
- Be able to operate politically, shaping financial strategy alongside Members and senior stakeholders
- Demonstrate a track record in leading MTFS and budget-setting processes
- Bring strong technical assurance expertise (accounts, audit, pensions, treasury, governance)
- Inspire, influence and lead through change, building high-performing, future-ready finance teams
- Have a commercial, outward-facing mindset with the ability to drive innovation, transformation and value
Recruitment Timeline
Closing date: Monday 24 November 2025
Longlist meeting: Wednesday 26 November
Technical interviews (virtual): Tuesday 2 December 2025
Shortlist meeting: Wednesday 3 December
121 with Executive Director of Corporate Services (Section 151 Officer)/Stakeholder panels: Thursday 11th December (in person in Kingston)
Final interviews (in-person): Tuesday 16th December (in person in Kingston)
How to Apply
To apply, please send your CV (max 3 pages) and a supporting statement (max 2 pages) outlining your motivation and suitability for the role to: Kingston@allenlane.co.uk
For more information about the role please refer to our dedicated recruitment site: Welcome | Kingston-DF
For a confidential discussion about the opportunity, please contact our search partners at Allen Lane:
Jack Murphy – 07921 335 786 / jackmurphy@allenlane.co.uk
Philippa Watkins – 07921 336 643 / philippawatkins@allenlane.co.uk
Director of Finance (Deputy Section 151 Officer) in London employer: Allen Lane
Contact Detail:
Allen Lane Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Finance (Deputy Section 151 Officer) in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who have experience in local government. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about the role and even potential referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames and its financial strategies. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals, especially around financial resilience and transformation.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've led teams through change and influenced strategic decisions. This is key for a role that requires inspiring high-performing finance teams.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Finance (Deputy Section 151 Officer) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Director of Finance role. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that align with the job description. We want to see how your background fits into our vision for Kingston!
Craft a Compelling Supporting Statement: Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your expertise can contribute to Kingston's financial strategy. Keep it concise but impactful!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a senior finance leader, we’re keen to see examples of how you've influenced strategic decision-making in the past. Share specific instances where you’ve led teams or projects successfully, especially in local government or similar settings.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our dedicated recruitment site! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team at Kingston.
How to prepare for a job interview at Allen Lane
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Director of Finance, you’ll need to be on top of the financial details. Brush up on Kingston’s budget, financial strategies, and any recent audits. Being able to discuss these confidently will show your expertise and readiness for the role.
✨Understand the Local Landscape
Familiarise yourself with Kingston's unique community and its financial challenges. Knowing about the diverse population and regeneration programmes will help you connect with the interviewers and demonstrate your commitment to the borough's vision.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
Expect questions around strategic leadership and financial governance. Think about your past experiences in leading financial strategies and how they can apply to Kingston’s goals. Be ready to share specific examples that highlight your influence and decision-making skills.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a senior leader, your ability to inspire and lead teams is crucial. Prepare to discuss your approach to building high-performing finance teams and how you’ve successfully navigated change in previous roles. This will help convey your fit for the position.