Head of Finance in Southampton

This is a rare opportunity to join HSCCA at a pivotal stage in its development and help build the financial foundations of a brand-new Combined County Authority. As Head of Finance (Deputy S73 Officer), you will play a key leadership role within an ambitious organisation that is shaping the future of Hampshire and the Solent.

Working at the centre of decision-making, you will help ensure financial excellence underpins the authority's ambitions, supporting investment, growth and positive outcomes for communities, businesses and residents across the region. You will have the chance to influence the development of a modern finance function from the outset, contributing to the creation of systems, processes and governance arrangements that will support the organisation for years to come.

This is an ideal opportunity for an experienced finance leader who is motivated by building, improving and shaping organisations, and who enjoys working in a fast-paced environment where collaboration, influence and innovation are valued.

What you’ll be doing

• Play a key role in developing and embedding a modern, high-performing finance function within a newly established Combined County Authority.
• Work closely with senior leaders, elected members, partner organisations and stakeholders to support the delivery of HSCCA's strategic ambitions.
• Contribute to the development of robust financial governance, stewardship and decision-making across the organisation.
• Help create a finance service that enables growth, supports innovation and provides confidence across the authority and its partners.
• Support the organisation as it evolves, helping to build the systems, relationships and culture needed for long-term success.

Why join the HSCCA?

We are building the HSCCA on the basis that how we work is as important as what we deliver. We want people who bring enthusiasm, drive, and authenticity - who are proactive, open to challenge, and motivated by progress rather than process. We value collaborative leadership: the ability to bring people together across organisational boundaries, respect the expertise of others, and create shared direction without needing to own everything.

We act in line with the Nolan Principles. We use public money responsibly, make evidence-based decisions, and hold ourselves to high standards of integrity, inclusion, and accessibility. We expect feedback to be given and received constructively, challenge to be welcomed, and relationships to be built on openness, trust, and mutual respect. This is a complex, fast-moving environment. We need people who are energised by that.

What the HSCCA will offer in return

As we take on new responsibilities devolved from Government, you will have a genuine opportunity to contribute to building a public service organisation that does things differently. Our reward package includes:

• A flexible working environment, with hybrid working arrangements as standard (minimum 2 days per week in our office)
• A competitive salary and benefits package
• Investment in your professional development and leadership growth
• The chance to work alongside a leadership team that is committed to building an organisation where people thrive
• Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme

The HSCCA is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive and accessible workplace where everyone feels valued and able to thrive. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and lived experiences, particularly those from groups that are currently underrepresented in our workforce. This includes people from ethnic minority communities, disabled people, neurodivergent people, LGBTQ+ people, parents and carers, and individuals from lower socio-economic backgrounds. We are committed to removing barriers to employment and encourage candidates to let us know about any reasonable adjustments they may need at any stage of the recruitment process.

Selection process

Your application will progress through the following stages:

1. Application Review
   Your CV and supporting documents will be reviewed by Reed Recruitment against the essential criteria outlined in the Skills & Experience section of this advert. Please ensure your CV clearly demonstrates how you meet the required criteria in order to be considered.
2. Telephone Interview
   If shortlisted, you will be invited to an initial telephone interview. During this stage, you will be assessed against the Skills & Experience criteria and your overall suitability for the position.
3. Face-to-face Interview
   If shortlisted, you will be invited to an initial telephone interview. During this stage, you will be assessed against the Skills & Experience criteria and your overall suitability for the position. This is the final stage of the selection process and will determine the outcome of your application.
4. Feedback
   Feedback will be provided following the final face-to-face interview stage. Please note that feedback is only available to candidates who attend the final stage interview stage. Successful candidates will then be considered for an offer.

Contract & Compensation

Company: Reed Talent Solutions
Salary: £80,000 - £90,000
Hours: Full-time
Location: Southampton, SO14 7LY
Working pattern: Hybrid - 3 days remote
Job type: Permanent
Posting date: 1 Aug 2026
Closing date: 31 Aug 2026

Further information: As a Disability Confident Committed employer, we run a guaranteed interview scheme for disabled applicants. If you meet the essential criteria listed in the job description for this position and would like to be considered under this scheme, please state this in your application. All data collected is anonymous and has zero bearing on your application. If there is anything we can do to accommodate your specific situation, please let the recruitment team know. We are committed to fair and inclusive recruitment. As part of this, we use anonymous shortlisting to ensure candidates are assessed solely on their skills, experience, and suitability for the role.