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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.
- 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 - 117800 £ 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) 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)
✨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's recent financial strategies and challenges. Show them you’re not just a finance whiz but also genuinely interested in their mission and how you can contribute.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with their needs, especially around managing large budgets and driving efficiency. Confidence is key, so rehearse until it feels natural.
✨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 about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Director of Finance and Deputy Chief Executive (s151 Officer)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that match the job description. Highlight your CCAB qualifications and any relevant local government experience to show us you’re the right fit for this strategic role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about finance in local government and how your background aligns with our needs. Don’t forget to mention your experience with MTFS and balanced budgets!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a Strategic Director, we want to see your leadership style. Share examples of how you've led teams or projects, especially in financial transformation or efficiency savings. This will help us understand how you can drive change at the Isle of Wight Council.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cameron Kennedy
✨Know Your Numbers
As a candidate for the Strategic Director of Finance, it's crucial to have a solid grasp of financial metrics and strategies. Brush up on your understanding of medium-term financial strategies (MTFS) and be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed budgets exceeding £300m in the past.
✨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 show that you’re not just qualified but also well-prepared for the role of Section 151 Officer.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role involves organisational leadership and emergency decision-making. Prepare examples of how you've led teams through transformation and efficiency savings. Highlight your experience in fostering a high-performing workforce and collaborating with various stakeholders.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-world scenarios. Think about challenges you've faced in financial planning or treasury management and how you overcame them. This will demonstrate your strategic thinking and ability to drive innovation in funding deployment.