Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Council's Corporate Finance function and manage financial planning and budgeting.
- Company: Join a dynamic local authority committed to financial governance and accountability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £85,000, with flexibility for exceptional candidates.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on public finance and contribute to community development.
- Qualifications: Full membership of a CCAB recognised body and relevant experience in local authority finance.
- Other info: Opportunity to work closely with senior leadership and influence financial strategy.
The predicted salary is between 68000 - 102000 £ per year.
Salary: Up to £85,000.00 per annum (may be some flexibility for exceptional candidates)
Responsible to: Chief Finance Officer/ Section 151 Officer
Line Management Responsibility for: Deputy Chief Accountant, Capital & Treasury Manager, Systems Accountant and Assistant Finance Officer
Purpose of job: To provide strategic leadership and management of the Council’s Corporate Finance function, including undertaking the role of Chief Accountant, leading on financial planning, capital and revenue budgeting, treasury management, financial reporting and all Statutory Returns. As Deputy Section 151 Officer, the postholder will support the statutory responsibilities of the Chief Finance Officer (S151) and deputise for the S151 in their absence, ensuring the Council maintains high standards of financial governance, resilience, and accountability.
The role takes on the role of Chief Accountant and leads the Treasury & Capital functions, supports the S151 in financial planning and Budget Strategy, working collaboratively across the organisation to deliver robust financial management, and transparent and effective stewardship of public funds.
This post will take the lead of the Corporate Finance function and undertake the preparation of the Council’s Statutory Annual Accounts and the day-to-day relationship with the External Auditors, supporting the S151 in financial planning, budget setting and medium-term financial strategy. This will include working with other officers across the Council including the Senior Leadership Board (SLB), Heads of Service and Members to prepare and deliver a balanced budget.
The role will also attend meetings with and brief the Portfolio Holder, and will attend Governance & Audit Committee with or on behalf of the S151 and Cabinet, as required.
Lead the delivery of the Council’s Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS), ensuring alignment with corporate priorities, service plans, and resource constraints.
Act as a key advisor to the Chief Finance Officer (S151), Senior Leadership Board (SLB) and Members on financial strategy, sustainability, and policy development.
Deputise for the Section 151 Officer in all statutory, strategic, and corporate finance matters.
What we expect you to have:
- Full membership by examination of a CCAB recognised body (eg CIPFA, ACCA, CIMA)
What we hope that you have:
- Have experience in a similar role in another Local Authority
Head of Corporate Finance in Colchester employer: Ambient People
Contact Detail:
Ambient People Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Corporate Finance in Colchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who have experience in local authorities. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of financial governance and public fund management. We recommend practising common interview questions related to corporate finance and having examples ready that showcase your leadership skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, send a thank-you email to express your appreciation and reiterate your interest in the role. It shows professionalism and keeps you on their radar.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance at landing that Head of Corporate Finance role. We make it easy for you to showcase your skills and experience directly to the hiring team!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Corporate Finance in Colchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Corporate Finance role. Highlight your experience in financial planning, budgeting, and governance. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your leadership in corporate finance and how you’ve contributed to financial strategy in previous positions.
Showcase Your Qualifications: Don’t forget to mention your CCAB membership! It’s a key requirement for us. Make sure to highlight any relevant qualifications and how they’ve prepared you for the responsibilities of this role.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ambient People
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Head of Corporate Finance, you’ll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've used them in past roles. Prepare examples of how you've led financial planning and budgeting processes.
✨Understand the Council's Priorities
Familiarise yourself with the specific goals and challenges of the Council. This will help you align your answers with their strategic objectives. Show that you can contribute to their Medium-Term Financial Strategy and understand the importance of public funds.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-world scenarios. Think about challenges you've faced in previous roles, particularly in local authorities, and how you overcame them. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
As this role involves managing a team, be prepared to discuss your leadership style and experiences. Highlight how you've successfully led teams in financial governance and accountability, and how you foster collaboration across departments.
