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- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and governance for Essex Police, shaping the future of policing.
- Company: Join Essex Police, a forward-thinking organisation dedicated to public safety and community impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, car allowance, and excellent local government pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in public service while working in a collaborative and friendly environment.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with senior leadership experience in public sector finance is essential.
- Other info: Flexible support available for applicants with disabilities; commitment to diversity and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 85000 - 115000 £ per year.
Location of Role: Chelmsford
Advert Closing Date: 30/06/2025
Starting Salary: £99,087.00 (pro-rata for part-time vacancies)
Part/Full Time: Full Time
Contract Type: Permanent
Working Pattern: Mon-Fri
Weekend/Evening Working: No
An exceptional opportunity has arisen for a strategic, and commercially astute, finance leader to join Essex Police as our Chief Finance Officer (CFO). 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: Responsible directly 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.
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.
For the full job description please click here.
Essex Police offer incremental increases within this salary band, therefore the salary for this position will rise to a maximum of £111,999.00.
All of our posts require a level of vetting and security clearance. During the recruitment process you will be sent vetting information forms to complete.
Kent Police and Essex Police welcomes applications regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation, sex, or employment status.
Please let us know if you require extra support at any stage of the application process, or for further information regarding this position, please email us at recruitment.business.services@ecis.police.uk stating 'Application Support and Adjustments' in the title of your email. Alternatively, you can call us on 01245 452833.
Where appropriate we will make adjustments to the selection process, working arrangements and/or the working environment provided it is reasonable in all the circumstances to do so.
If you’re not from the UK, you must be a resident in the UK and have lived here continuously for the last three years. You must also be free from restrictions with indefinite leave to remain. If you’re from the UK you must have lived here continuously for the last three years. This doesn’t apply to those serving abroad in the British Armed Forces.
Essex Police and Kent Police are an equal opportunities employer. Communications may be recorded for monitoring purposes.
As a Disability Confident Leader we:
- have subjected our Disability Confident self-assessment to external challenge and validation
- are taking an active leadership role in encouraging and helping other employers on their journey to becoming Disability Confident.
Diversity, Equality and Inclusion are central to the values of our organisation. At Essex Police we value and embrace the unique experiences, identities and abilities that each of us bring to our roles. We strive to empower everyone to bring their authentic self openly and safely to work.
Through the dedicated commitment of our support networks, DE&I team and wider HR departments, we are on a journey to embed our DE&I commitments, ensuring Essex Police is an employer of choice; where everyone feels included.
Chief Finance Officer - Headquarters, Chelmsford employer: Babcock
Contact Detail:
Babcock Recruiting Team
duncan.collins@gatenbysanderson.com
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Finance Officer - Headquarters, Chelmsford
✨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. This will not only give you insights into the role but also help you make valuable connections that could support your application.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with Essex Police's strategic goals and recent initiatives. Understanding their current challenges and priorities 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 leadership style and how it aligns with the values of Essex Police. Be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully led teams in a complex environment, particularly in driving financial efficiencies and innovation.
✨Tip Number 4
Engage with current or former employees of Essex Police on platforms like LinkedIn. They can provide insider knowledge about the organisational culture and expectations, which can be invaluable when preparing for interviews.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Finance Officer - Headquarters, Chelmsford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your qualifications and experience relevant to the Chief Finance Officer role. Emphasise your strategic leadership skills, financial stewardship, and any public sector experience you have.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that clearly outlines why you are the ideal candidate for this position. Discuss your commercial acumen, ability to drive efficiencies, and how your values align with those of Essex Police.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Ensure you mention your CCAB qualification and any management qualifications like an MBA or CIPFA accreditation. This is crucial as they are key requirements for the role.
Showcase Communication Skills: In your application, provide examples of your excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills. This is important as the role involves influencing at Board or Executive level.
How to prepare for a job interview at Babcock
✨Understand the Role and Responsibilities
Make sure you thoroughly understand the key responsibilities of the Chief Finance Officer position. Familiarise yourself with Essex Police's strategic goals and how the finance function supports these objectives. This will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Leadership Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your ability to lead strategically at an executive level. Highlight instances where you've influenced corporate strategy or driven financial efficiencies, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Demonstrate Public Sector Knowledge
Since this role is within a public sector environment, be ready to discuss your understanding of public sector finance, governance, and risk management. This knowledge will be essential in showcasing your suitability for the position.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Prepare to discuss how you have effectively engaged with various stakeholders in previous roles. Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills are vital for this position, so be ready to provide specific examples of how you've built relationships and collaborated with others.
