At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial oversight and governance for Bristol's city-owned companies.
- Company: Bristol Holding Ltd, supporting the Council with strategic direction and performance oversight.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, competitive salary, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team focused on delivering value and innovation for the community.
- Why this job: Be at the heart of Bristol's services, influencing strategy and driving accountability.
- Qualifications: Strong finance background with experience in governance and stakeholder management.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Strengthen Oversight and Value Across Bristol’s City-Owned Companies. Bristol Holding Ltd (BHL) with Bristol City Council is seeking an experienced finance and assurance leader to provide independent oversight, robust governance and clear shareholder assurance across Bristol City Council’s wholly owned companies. This is a senior role with high autonomy and significant influence, supporting better commercial decision making and long-term value for the people of Bristol.
If you are a technically strong, commercially minded finance professional who can operate confidently across complex stakeholder environments, this role offers challenge, visibility, and clear public purpose.
About Bristol Holding Ltd: Since 2015, Bristol City Council has used local authority trading companies to deliver services, drive innovation and reinvest value back into the city. As sole shareholder, the Council sets strategic direction and oversees performance through defined governance arrangements. BHL supports the Council in this role, providing oversight, assurance, and a small number of shared services across the group. It is the parent company of two high-profile organisations.
- Bristol Waste Company delivers recycling, waste collection, street cleansing, and facilities management across the city. It employs over 800 colleagues and operates at significant scale, delivering around 17 million collections each year. The business is entering a period of transformation, including contract renewal, investment in fleet and infrastructure, and responding to evolving regulation.
- Goram Homes is Bristol’s commercial housing delivery company, focused on accelerating new homes, including social and affordable housing. It is moving into a phase of increased delivery through joint ventures and partnerships, playing a key role in addressing housing need and supporting sustainable growth.
The role: Following a successful period of interim leadership, BHL is now recruiting a permanent Finance and Assurance Director to build on strengthened governance and improved reporting. This is a senior, influential role operating with a high degree of independence. This is primarily a strategic financial oversight, governance, and assurance leadership role rather than a transactional operational finance post reporting to the Chair and Shareholder. You will act as a trusted adviser and constructive challenger to subsidiary boards and executive teams, while providing clear, independent assurance to the Council as shareholder. You will play a central role in ensuring the group is financially resilient, well-governed and positioned for long-term success.
Key responsibilities:
- Provide independent financial oversight and assurance across the group
- Lead governance, reporting, risk management, and internal control
- Support delivery of ambitious business plans, challenging assumptions and performance where required
- Strengthen alignment between Council financial planning and company business plans
- Enable clear, effective communication between the Council and its companies
- Protect and enhance shareholder value through transparency and accountability
- Contribute to the development of BHL as a centre of excellence for assurance and oversight
This role requires the confidence to speak truth to power, balancing support with challenge in the interests of strong governance and better outcomes.
Why join: Bristol’s wholly owned companies play a critical role in delivering services, managing risk, and unlocking value at a time of increasing demand and financial pressure. As Finance and Assurance Director, you will sit at the centre of this system, influencing commercial strategy, strengthening accountability, and supporting long-term resilience across Bristol’s city-owned businesses. With ambitious plans and a clear public purpose, this is a compelling opportunity for a senior finance leader who wants their work to have visible impact.
Full time or part time (minimum 22 hours per week, salary pro-rata accordingly). Hybrid working arrangements.
To apply: To apply, please submit an up-to-date copy of your CV (three sides of A4 maximum), along with a supporting statement (three sides of A4 maximum) detailing your experience, and achievements and addressing the key criteria for the role set out on this site and using examples to demonstrate how you meet the requirements. Documents should be uploaded via our website, please include and upload the below information in two documents only.
If you experience any issues whilst applying, please contact Ella.Vanderhook@tile-hill.co.uk
Applications should include:
- Full contact details
- Names, positions, organisations and contact details for two referees (we will ask your permission before contacting referees)
- Details of your notice period
- Notification of any dates when you are not available for an interview
At Tile Hill, we are committed to inclusion and accessibility. We champion and support all individuals to ensure everyone feels valued, listened to and motivated to get the very best out of each recruitment process and that processes are designed to meet the needs of individuals. If you have any specific requests and would like a confidential discussion with the Tile Hill team, then please email inclusion@tile-hill.co.uk
Finance & Assurance Director in Bristol employer: Bristol Holding ltd
Bristol Holding Ltd offers a unique opportunity for finance professionals to make a tangible impact on the community by overseeing city-owned companies that deliver essential services. With a strong commitment to governance, transparency, and employee development, BHL fosters a collaborative work culture that values innovation and accountability. The role of Finance & Assurance Director not only provides high autonomy and influence but also aligns with Bristol's ambitious plans for sustainable growth, making it an excellent employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance & Assurance Director in Bristol
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance and assurance sector. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Bristol Holding Ltd and its subsidiaries. Understand their challenges and successes, and think about how your skills can help them achieve their goals. This will show you’re genuinely interested and ready to contribute.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate your experience and how it aligns with the role of Finance and Assurance Director. Highlight your ability to provide independent oversight and governance, as well as your commercial mindset.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, make sure to tailor your CV and supporting statement to reflect the key criteria mentioned in the job description.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance & Assurance Director in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Finance & Assurance Director role. Highlight relevant experience and achievements that align with the key responsibilities mentioned in the job description. We want to see how your skills can strengthen oversight and governance!
Craft a Compelling Supporting Statement:Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Use it to detail your experience and how it meets the key criteria for the role. Be specific and use examples to demonstrate your impact, especially in complex stakeholder environments.
Keep It Concise:Remember, we’re looking for clarity and precision. Stick to the three sides of A4 limit for both your CV and supporting statement. This shows us you can communicate effectively and respect guidelines—both crucial for this role!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your documents. Plus, if you run into any issues, you can reach out directly for help. We’re here to support you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bristol Holding ltd
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Finance & Assurance Director, you’ll need to demonstrate your technical expertise. Brush up on key financial metrics and governance frameworks relevant to Bristol Holding Ltd. Be ready to discuss how you've used these in past roles to drive value and ensure compliance.
✨Understand the Stakeholder Landscape
This role involves navigating complex stakeholder environments. Research Bristol City Council and its wholly owned companies. Familiarise yourself with their strategic goals and challenges, so you can speak confidently about how you would align financial oversight with their objectives.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your ability to balance support with challenge. Prepare examples from your experience where you’ve successfully provided independent assurance or challenged assumptions in a constructive manner. This will showcase your ability to influence and lead effectively.
✨Craft a Compelling Supporting Statement
Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Clearly outline your achievements and how they relate to the key criteria of the role. Use specific examples to illustrate your impact on governance and financial resilience, making it clear why you’re the right fit for this influential position.
