At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial oversight and governance for Bristol's city-owned companies.
- Company: Bristol Holding Ltd, part of Bristol City Council, focused on innovation and community value.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, competitive salary, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team committed to inclusion and making a difference in the community.
- Why this job: Shape the future of Bristol's services and ensure long-term resilience in a strategic role.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in finance leadership and governance.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 90000 £ 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.
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. 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.
Finance & Assurance Director in Gloucester employer: Bristol Holding ltd
Bristol Holding Ltd offers an exceptional work environment for finance professionals, providing a unique opportunity to influence the strategic direction of Bristol's city-owned companies. With a strong commitment to governance and transparency, employees benefit from a culture that values accountability and innovation, alongside flexible hybrid working arrangements. The role of Finance & Assurance Director not only allows for significant autonomy but also positions you at the heart of impactful decision-making, ensuring your contributions directly enhance the community's well-being.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance & Assurance Director in Gloucester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance and assurance sector, especially those who have experience with local authority trading companies. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Bristol Holding Ltd and its subsidiaries. Understand their challenges and successes, so you can showcase how your skills can help them strengthen governance and enhance shareholder value.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the role of Finance and Assurance Director. Highlight your ability to provide independent oversight and support ambitious business plans.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance & Assurance Director in Gloucester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in finance and governance. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Finance and Assurance Director, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:This role is all about influence and oversight, so be sure to include examples of how you've led teams or projects in the past. We’re looking for someone who can balance support with challenge, so let us know how you’ve done that before!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, clarity is key! Use straightforward language and get straight to the point. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
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 financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics relevant to Bristol Holding Ltd and its subsidiaries. Be prepared to discuss how you would approach financial oversight and assurance in a way that aligns with the Council's strategic goals.
✨Understand Governance Structures
Familiarise yourself with the governance frameworks that Bristol City Council employs. Show that you understand the importance of robust governance and how it impacts decision-making. Be ready to share examples from your past experiences where you’ve successfully navigated complex governance issues.
✨Articulate Your Strategic Vision
This role is all about long-term value creation. Think about how you can contribute to Bristol Holding Ltd’s mission. Prepare to articulate your vision for strengthening financial resilience and enhancing shareholder value, and how you would challenge assumptions to support ambitious business plans.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Effective communication is key in this role. Be prepared to discuss how you would facilitate clear communication between the Council and its companies. Share examples of how you've successfully communicated complex financial information to non-financial stakeholders in the past.