At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and manage high-quality financial services for the Council.
- Company: Conwy County Borough Council, a forward-looking authority with a strong organisational culture.
- Benefits: Flexible working, leadership development, and a supportive Senior Leadership Team.
- Other info: Opportunity for significant career growth as Deputy Section 151 Officer.
- Why this job: Shape financial strategy and make a real impact in local government.
- Qualifications: Professionally qualified accountant with experience in financial leadership.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
This is a rare opportunity to step into a high-impact financial leadership role at Conwy County Borough Council at a time of significant challenge and opportunity. As Head of Finance and Deputy Section 151 Officer, you will play a central role in shaping the Council’s financial strategy, influencing key decisions at the highest level, and helping to navigate the financial pressures facing local government while driving transformation and sustainable service delivery.
Like all local authorities, we are operating in a complex financial environment, with increasing demand, constrained resources and the need to transform how services are delivered. At Conwy, our ambition is not just to manage this challenge, but to reshape the organisation to ensure long-term resilience and improved outcomes for our communities. You will contribute at the highest level through your role within the Senior Management Team, ensuring the Council remains financially resilient, forward-looking and well positioned to deliver its priorities.
About the Role
As our Head of Finance and Deputy s151 Officer, you will lead and manage the Council’s Corporate Financial Services, ensuring the delivery of high-quality financial services and strategic advice across the organisation to Members and senior officers, supporting effective and lawful decision making. You will oversee a broad and varied portfolio including Accountancy, Creditors, Payroll, Income and Reconciliation, Local Taxation, and the Housing Benefit and Assessment Service.
A core part of your role will be to:
- Lead the development and delivery of the Council’s financial strategy and medium-term planning
- Support Heads of Service to ensure services are financially sustainable and aligned to corporate priorities
- Drive performance, efficiency and continuous improvement across services, using data and insight to inform decision making
- Build strong working relationships across the organisation and with regional and national partners to maximise resources and deliver shared outcomes
You will act as Deputy Section 151 Officer, working closely with the Strategic Director Finance & Resources and play a key role in statutory financial leadership. This role offers significant exposure and development for those aspiring to a future Section 151 Officer position. You will also lead a diverse workforce, creating a high-performing and inclusive culture where innovation, collaboration and professional development are actively encouraged. You will be responsible for setting clear expectations and share collective accountability for embedding inclusive practice at every level, modelling behaviour and language to create the conditions in which every colleague and customer experiences equity, dignity and a genuine sense of belonging and where everyone feels valued, respected and able to bring their authentic selves to work.
About You
We are looking for an experienced and strategic financial leader who can operate confidently in a complex, political and fast-changing environment. You will be a professionally qualified accountant (CCAB) with a strong track record of delivering financial leadership and organisational impact within local government or a similarly complex organisation. You will bring:
- Demonstrable experience of leading financial strategy, planning and governance
- The ability to influence and challenge constructively at senior level, including Members
- Strong political awareness and sound professional judgement
- The ability to translate complex financial information into clear, practical insight to support decision making
- A resilient and adaptable approach, with the confidence to operate in a demanding and high-profile role
Above all, you will be motivated by making a tangible difference, driving value for money, supporting organisational change and improving outcomes for residents.
About Us
Conwy County Borough Council is a forward-looking authority with a clear ambition: to deliver effective, innovative and sustainable services that improve outcomes for our residents and visitors. Conwy is an exceptional place to live and work, offering a unique combination of stunning coastline, UNESCO World Heritage sites, vibrant cultural life and major regeneration opportunities. We are delivering ambitious programmes alongside a continued focus on financial resilience and transformation. We are proud of our strong organisational culture, underpinned by our values of caring, fairness, innovation and teamwork.
What We Offer
We offer a genuinely strategic leadership role in a supportive and ambitious organisation, along with:
- A high-profile role with influence across the whole Council
- A supportive and experienced Senior Leadership Team
- The opportunity to shape financial strategy in a forward-looking authority
- Significant exposure and development as Deputy Section 151 Officer
- Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
- Investment in leadership development and career progression
- A strong, collaborative culture focused on improvement, innovation and delivery
We are a bilingual authority with immense pride in our Welsh heritage. We provide excellent Welsh language support, including translation services and opportunities to learn or develop your Welsh language skills.
Welsh Language
Although being able to converse in Welsh is desirable for this post, willingness to learn and an awareness of Welsh would be an advantage.
Further Information
To apply, please visit our website via the button below.
Closing Date: 30 July 2026.
Assessment Process:
- Online assessment (candidates to select a time): 5 – 7 August 2026
- Meeting with Strategic Leadership Team: 12 August 2026
- Interview with Senior Employment Committee: 13 August 2026
Summary
If you are looking for a role where you can influence key decisions, shape financial strategy and help lead a forward-looking council through a period of change, we would welcome your application.
Locations
Head of Finance and Deputy s151 Officer in Colwyn Bay, Conwy employer: CONWY COUNTY BOROUGH COUNCIL
Conwy County Borough Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises the professional development of its staff. As a Foundation Learning Teacher at Ysgol Sŵn y Don, you will benefit from a nurturing environment that encourages collaboration and innovation, while also having the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on students' lives in a vibrant Welsh community.
Contact Details:
CONWY COUNTY BOROUGH COUNCIL Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance and Deputy s151 Officer in Colwyn Bay, Conwy
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like CONWY COUNTY BOROUGH COUNCIL. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance and Deputy s151 Officer in Colwyn Bay, Conwy
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to CONWY COUNTY BOROUGH COUNCIL.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on CONWY COUNTY BOROUGH COUNCIL's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at CONWY COUNTY BOROUGH COUNCIL
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with CONWY COUNTY BOROUGH COUNCIL.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at CONWY COUNTY BOROUGH COUNCIL will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former CONWY COUNTY BOROUGH COUNCIL employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
