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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial planning and reporting, ensuring strategic financial management for Ipswich.
- Company: Ipswich Borough Council, dedicated to community improvement and local economy revitalisation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holiday, pension scheme, and flexible hybrid working.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of Ipswich while leading financial innovation.
- Qualifications: Qualified finance professional with strong leadership and communication skills.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity for career growth and involvement in local government transformation.
The predicted salary is between 63092 - 67853 £ per year.
Salary: £63,092 - £67,853
Hybrid working (min 1 day a week onsite)
Join us in shaping Ipswich's future. We are passionate about making a real difference for our residents, our communities, and our local economy. As a forward-thinking organisation, we are proud to provide a strong voice for Ipswich while delivering the essential services people rely on every day. Our Corporate Strategy, Proud of Ipswich, sets out our ambition to champion our community and revitalise our town and we are determined to make that vision a reality.
We are on an ambitious journey and, as part of this, there is an exciting opportunity for two proactive, passionate, and positive Heads of Finance to bring financial expertise and leadership to the Organisation. Reporting to the Council's Assistant Director, Finance and working closely with our Director of Resources, you will lead our experienced Financial Planning and Technical Finance functions.
Ipswich Borough Council is also preparing for Local Government Reorganisation (LGR), a once-in-a-generation transformation in how local services are delivered across Suffolk. These roles will be critical in maintaining strong financial management and resilience throughout this period of change, ensuring the Council is well-positioned for a sustainable future.
The Roles
- Head of Finance Financial Planning and Reporting
- You will lead the Council's financial planning and reporting function, ensuring robust, strategic, and compliant financial management across the organisation. Key responsibilities include:
- Leading the development and delivery of the Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP) and annual budget-setting process.
- Acting as a principal financial advisor to the Council, Executive, Committees, and senior managers.
- Overseeing budget monitoring and financial reporting to support effective decision-making.
- Line managing the Finance Manager and providing strategic direction to the Financial Planning and Reporting team.
- Driving improvements in financial systems and processes to support effective financial management.
- Identifying opportunities for financial innovation, income generation, and cost reduction.
- Head of Finance Technical
- You will lead the Council's technical finance function, ensuring robust, strategic, and compliant financial operations. Key responsibilities include:
- Providing strategic leadership on statutory accounting, treasury management, taxation, and financial compliance.
- Acting as a principal financial advisor to the Council, Executive, Committees, and senior managers.
- Leading the closure of accounts, production of the Statement of Accounts, and liaison with External Audit.
- Line managing the Finance Manager and providing strategic direction to the Technical, Treasury, Insurance, Income and Payments team.
- Identifying and leading opportunities for innovation, compliance improvements, and risk mitigation.
- Maintaining up-to-date knowledge of relevant legislation and standards.
About You
We’re looking for qualified finance professionals (CIPFA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) with:
- Strong leadership and people management skills.
- A track record of delivering high-quality financial services in a complex organisation.
- Excellent communication and influencing skills.
- A proactive, collaborative approach to problem-solving and innovation.
- Highly organised and agile, with the ability to adapt quickly in a changing environment.
- Experience in local government or a similar public sector environment is highly desirable.
Why Join Us?
As well as a good salary, we offer a career average pension scheme, generous holiday and sick pay entitlements, subsidised parking for work and leisure, public transport discounts, free swimming and gym membership, cycle purchase scheme, plenty of personal and professional development opportunities, flexible working, hybrid working opportunities, an employee assistance programme and the opportunity to work with great colleagues.
For the right candidate, the role may include designation as the Council's Deputy Section 151 Officer. Where this applies, an additional allowance of £5,000 will be provided to reflect these statutory responsibilities.
Closing deadline: 8th February 2026
Face to face interviews: 18 February 2026
HEAD OF FINANCE employer: Deekay Technical Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Deekay Technical Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land HEAD OF FINANCE
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who have experience in local government. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Ipswich Borough Council's recent projects and financial strategies. Show us you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate your passion for shaping the community’s future with your financial expertise.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your leadership skills and financial acumen can drive improvements in financial systems and processes. We want to see how you can make a real difference!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our ambitious journey at Ipswich Borough Council.
We think you need these skills to ace HEAD OF FINANCE
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Head of Finance role. Highlight your relevant experience in financial planning and technical finance, and show how your skills align with our mission to shape Ipswich's future.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: We want to see your strong leadership and people management skills shine through. Share examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past, especially in complex organisations like local government.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to explain your qualifications and experiences, making it easy for us to see why you’re the perfect fit for the role.
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 this exciting opportunity to join our team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Deekay Technical Recruitment
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Head of Finance, you’ll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've used them in past roles. Prepare examples of how you've led financial planning and reporting processes, as this will show your expertise.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
This role requires strong leadership and people management skills. Think about specific instances where you've successfully led a team or project. Be prepared to discuss your approach to managing and developing talent within your finance team.
✨Understand the Local Government Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the current challenges and opportunities in local government finance, especially regarding the Local Government Reorganisation. Being able to speak knowledgeably about these topics will demonstrate your commitment and understanding of the sector.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities. Think through potential challenges the Council might face and how you would address them. This will showcase your proactive and collaborative approach to financial management.
