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- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and transformation for Lambeth Council, ensuring robust governance and resource management.
- Company: Join the London Borough of Lambeth, committed to social and climate justice.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to ÂŁ150,000, hybrid working, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team driving significant transformation and financial resilience.
- Why this job: Shape the future of finance in a high-profile borough while tackling inequality.
- Qualifications: CCAB-qualified finance professional with strategic leadership experience in public sector.
The predicted salary is between 150000 - 150000 ÂŁ per year.
The London Borough of Lambeth is seeking an outstanding finance leader to join us as Director of Finance (Deputy Section 151 Officer) at a pivotal moment in the organisation’s journey. It is an opportunity to build your reputation in a high profile London Borough by using your experience and expertise to overcome its financial challenges.
With an established Corporate Director of Resources (Section 151 Officer) and Chief Executive now in post, and an ambitious Transformation Programme at the heart of our Medium-Term Financial Strategy, this role presents a rare opportunity to shape how finance operates at the centre of one of London’s most ambitious boroughs. This is not simply a leadership role - it is a chance to fundamentally strengthen our approach to financial planning, business insight and resource management to ensure Lambeth remains financially resilient whilst delivering against the bold ambitions set out in the Lambeth 2030 Plan.
About Lambeth: Lambeth is a borough with social and climate justice at its heart. Working alongside our residents, businesses and voluntary sector partners, we are committed to tackling inequality so that every child gets the best start in life and every resident can feel safe, thrive and belong. Delivering against this ambition requires a modern, forward-thinking finance function capable of supporting transformation at pace - and this role will be central to achieving that.
The Role: Reporting directly to the Corporate Director of Resources (Section 151 Officer), the Director of Finance will play a key corporate leadership role in shaping and delivering the Council’s financial strategy and transformation agenda. You will lead the continued development of a high-performing, insight-led finance function - strengthening financial planning capability, improving organisational decision‑making and ensuring the effective stewardship of public resources in an increasingly challenging financial environment.
As Deputy Section 151 Officer, you will support the statutory responsibilities of the S151 Officer and ensure the Council’s financial governance, reporting and control frameworks are robust, transparent and fit for the future.
Key Responsibilities:
- Leading the development and delivery of Lambeth’s Medium‑Term Financial Strategy.
- Driving a culture of cost consciousness across the Council and its partners, including a recognition of the importance of ongoing financial sustainability for the Council.
- Acting as Deputy Section 151 Officer, maintaining strong financial management and governance across the organisation.
- Overseeing statutory financial reporting, including budget setting and the annual statement of accounts.
- Providing strategic financial insight and challenge to Members and the Corporate Leadership Team.
- Leading on the capital strategy, the capital programme and capital monitoring.
- Leading a strong business partnering function that supports organisational transformation through robust financial appraisal of policy, service and investment decisions.
- Putting value for money at the heart of everything the Council does through improved income generation, commercial thinking and efficient resource leadership capability and fostering a high‑performance culture across the finance service.
A deep understanding of local government finance, governance and statutory responsibilities is essential. Experience of leading financial planning within a large, complex organisation is required, along with a proven ability to support and deliver financial and organisational transformation. Strong influencing and relationship‑building skills at Member and senior officer level are necessary, as well as the credibility and judgement to operate effectively within a statutory leadership environment. Tenacity and personal resilience given the financial challenges facing local government are important, along with a commitment to Lambeth’s values of equity, kindness, accountability and ambition.
About You: We are seeking a CCAB‑qualified finance professional with a strong track record of strategic financial leadership within a complex public sector environment, currently operating - or having recently operated - as a Deputy Section 151 Officer. We welcome candidates who can demonstrate experience of supporting statutory financial responsibilities and contributing to corporate financial strategy, governance and organisational decision‑making within a complex public sector environment.
Why Join Lambeth? This is a unique opportunity to join an established senior leadership team with a clear mandate to strengthen financial resilience and support the Council through a period of significant financial challenge and transformation.
Equal Opportunity Statement: Lambeth Council is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.
Director of Finance employer: Borough of Lambeth
Contact Detail:
Borough of Lambeth Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Finance
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who have experience with local government. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Lambeth's financial strategies and challenges. Show us you understand their goals and how your expertise can help them achieve the Lambeth 2030 Plan.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your past experiences align with the role of Director of Finance. We want to hear about your strategic leadership and how you've tackled financial challenges before.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us you're serious about joining the Lambeth team.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Finance
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in financial leadership and local government. We want to see how your skills align with the specific challenges Lambeth is facing.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; share your successes! Use quantifiable results to demonstrate how you've driven financial strategies or transformations in previous roles. This helps us see the impact you can bring.
Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through in your application. We value equity, kindness, accountability, and ambition, so share your passion for these values and how they resonate with your professional journey.
Apply Through Our Website: For a smooth application process, make sure to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Borough of Lambeth
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Director of Finance, you’ll need to demonstrate your deep understanding of financial metrics and local government finance. Brush up on key financial reports, budget-setting processes, and the Medium-Term Financial Strategy specific to Lambeth. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you’re not just familiar with the role but also genuinely invested in the borough's financial health.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role is all about leadership and transformation. Be prepared to share examples of how you've led financial planning and governance in previous roles. Highlight your experience in fostering a high-performance culture and driving cost consciousness. Use specific anecdotes that illustrate your ability to influence and build relationships at senior levels.
✨Align with Lambeth’s Values
Lambeth values equity, kindness, accountability, and ambition. Make sure to weave these values into your responses during the interview. Discuss how your personal values align with theirs and provide examples of how you’ve demonstrated these principles in your professional life, especially in challenging financial environments.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and strategic thinking. Think about potential financial challenges Lambeth might face and how you would approach them. Prepare to discuss your strategies for ensuring financial resilience and effective resource management, as well as how you would support the Council’s ambitious transformation agenda.