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- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and ensure effective governance for a £300m budget.
- Company: Isle of Wight Council, committed to community and financial excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership role, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Regular travel to the Isle of Wight required; great opportunity for career growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of local government finance and drive meaningful change.
- Qualifications: CCAB-qualified accountant with extensive local government experience.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 90000 £ per year.
Isle of Wight Council seeks a proven CCAB-qualified finance leader for this role. Provide strategic oversight of the Finance service area, ensuring financial stewardship, governance, resilience, and value for money across council activities with a gross budget exceeding £300m.
Key Responsibilities
- Serve as designated Section 151 Officer, managing statutory duties for proper financial administration, including the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
- Develop and deliver medium-term financial strategy (MTFS), balanced budgets, and financial planning despite funding constraints.
- Lead financial policy, treasury management, strategic procurement, internal audit, risk assurance, and management accounting.
- Drive whole council transformation and efficiency savings through commercial, innovative funding deployment.
- Deputise for the Chief Executive as Head of Paid Service, providing organisational leadership and emergency decision-making.
- Collaborate with Members, partners and staff to foster a high-performing workforce and act as an ambassador for the Isle of Wight.
Qualifications
- Fully qualified CCAB accountant (CIPFA/ACCA/ACA/CIMA) with substantial post-qualification experience.
- Extensive local government experience delivering MTFS and balanced budgets for councils with budgets >£300m.
- Sound understanding of Local Government Act 1972 (Section 151) and local authority financial regulations.
- Proven ability to support transformation, efficiency savings, and growth-focused financial innovation.
Important: This role requires regular weekly travel to the Isle of Wight.
Strategic Director of Finance and Deputy Chief Executive (s151 Officer) in England employer: Cameron Kennedy
Contact Detail:
Cameron Kennedy Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Director of Finance and Deputy Chief Executive (s151 Officer) in England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in local government or finance sectors. Attend relevant events or webinars where you can meet people who might help you get your foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the Isle of Wight Council and its financial strategies. Show them you understand their challenges and how you can contribute to their goals, especially around budget management and efficiency savings.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, send a thank-you email expressing your enthusiasm for the role. It keeps you on their radar and shows your professionalism.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it easy for you to find roles that match your skills. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people.
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Director of Finance and Deputy Chief Executive (s151 Officer) in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your CCAB qualifications and relevant local government experience. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing your achievements in financial stewardship and budget management.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for the Strategic Director of Finance role. We love seeing passion and personality, so let us know what excites you about this opportunity and how you can contribute to the Isle of Wight Council.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a potential Deputy Chief Executive, we need to see your leadership chops. Highlight any experience you have in organisational leadership, especially in driving transformation and efficiency savings. We want to know how you’ve led teams to success in the past!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about us and what we stand for at StudySmarter.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cameron Kennedy
✨Know Your Numbers
Make sure you’re well-versed in the financial details relevant to the Isle of Wight Council. Brush up on their budget, recent financial reports, and any challenges they might be facing. Being able to discuss these specifics will show that you’re not just interested in the role but also invested in the council's financial health.
✨Understand Local Government Regulations
Familiarise yourself with the Local Government Act 1972 and local authority financial regulations. This knowledge is crucial for a Section 151 Officer. Be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with these regulations and how you can ensure compliance while driving financial strategy.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Deputy Chief Executive, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership capabilities. Prepare examples of how you've led teams through financial transformations or managed crises. Highlight your ability to collaborate with various stakeholders and foster a high-performing workforce.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-world scenarios. Think about how you would handle budget constraints or implement efficiency savings. Practising these scenarios will help you articulate your thought process and decision-making strategies effectively.