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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: Opportunity for organisational leadership and collaboration with key stakeholders.
- Why this job: Shape the future of local government finance and drive transformation.
- 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 London 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 London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in local government or finance sectors. Attend events, webinars, or even casual meet-ups to get your name out there. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the Isle of Wight Council and its financial strategies. Show us you understand their challenges and how you can contribute to their goals. Tailor your responses to highlight your experience with MTFS and budget management.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply; engage! After submitting your application through our website, follow up with a friendly email expressing your enthusiasm for the role. This shows initiative and keeps you on their radar.
✨Tip Number 4
Be ready to showcase your leadership skills. As a Deputy Chief Executive, you'll need to demonstrate how you've led teams and driven transformation in previous roles. Prepare examples that highlight your ability to foster collaboration and achieve results.
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Director of Finance and Deputy Chief Executive (s151 Officer) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Qualifications: Make sure to highlight your CCAB qualifications and any relevant experience in local government finance. We want to see how your background aligns with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your achievements!
Tailor Your Application: Take a moment to customise your application for this specific role. Use keywords from the job description to demonstrate that you understand what we’re looking for and how you can contribute to our goals.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key points stand out. This will help us see your strengths quickly!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cameron Kennedy
✨Know Your Numbers
As a finance leader, it's crucial to be well-versed in the financial details of the Isle of Wight Council. Brush up on their budget, recent financial reports, and any challenges they face. This will show your commitment and understanding of the role.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
Prepare to discuss your experience with medium-term financial strategies and how you've navigated funding constraints in the past. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've delivered balanced budgets and driven efficiency savings.
✨Understand Local Government Regulations
Familiarise yourself with the Local Government Act 1972 and local authority financial regulations. Being able to articulate how these laws impact financial administration will demonstrate your expertise and readiness for the Section 151 Officer responsibilities.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
As you'll be deputising for the Chief Executive, highlight your leadership experience. Discuss how you've led teams through transformation and fostered collaboration among stakeholders. This will illustrate your capability to act as an ambassador for the Isle of Wight.