At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and stabilise finance operations for a local authority, ensuring compliance and integrity.
- Company: A small but complex local authority group in North London.
- Benefits: Hybrid working model with a competitive interim salary.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by providing leadership and clarity in financial management.
- Qualifications: CCAB qualified accountant with experience in local government and commercial sectors.
- Other info: Opportunity to work in a politically complex environment with senior stakeholders.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 84000 £ per year.
We are supporting a small but complex local authority group organisation to appoint an Interim Finance Director for an initial 6-month period. This is a statutory, operational and leadership FD role and not a transformation role. This is an assignment for an experienced Interim FD who is very comfortable walking into a finance function that needs support, clarity and calm leadership, and is comfortable working alongside other senior finance figures.
You will be designated Deputy Section 151 Officer and will provide professional assurance that the organisation’s financial affairs are being properly managed in accordance with the Local Government Act. At the same time, you will be reviewing the day to day finance operations. This role is about stabilising, structuring and leading the finance function while ensuring statutory responsibilities are properly discharged.
What this role is really about:
- Ensuring the proper administration of the Council’s financial affairs under Section 151
- Leading corporate finance, systems accounting, departmental support, treasury, pensions, risk & insurance
- Producing cohesive finance plans with clear performance measures
- Leading budget strategy and medium-term financial planning
- Delivering high standards of financial integrity, transparency and control
- Managing relationships with auditors, government departments and financial institutions
- Ensuring effective billing, collection and debtor management processes
- Providing financial advice and assurance to elected members and senior officers
- Leading the finance team and setting clear objectives and standards
You will need to be comfortable operating in politically and organisationally complex environments while keeping a firm grip on operational finance.
The profile we are looking for:
- A CCAB qualified accountant
- An experienced Interim FD / Deputy S151 in local government
- Someone who has worked across both local authority and commercial environments
- Highly experienced in pensions, treasury, governance, audit and financial control
- Used to walking into stabilising finance functions
- Comfortable working with elected members and senior stakeholders
Finance Director (interim) in London employer: dnevo Partners
Contact Detail:
dnevo Partners Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Director (interim) in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in local government and finance. Let them know you're on the lookout for interim roles. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities that aren't advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of local government finance. Be ready to discuss how you've stabilised finance functions in the past. Show them you can bring calm leadership to their team!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of a strong online presence. Update your LinkedIn profile to reflect your experience as an Interim FD. Engage with relevant content and connect with key players in the local authority sector.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of great opportunities, and applying directly can give you a leg up. Plus, it shows you’re serious about landing that role with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Director (interim) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that match the Finance Director role. Highlight your commercial and local government background, as well as any relevant leadership experience in finance functions.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this interim role. Mention your comfort with stabilising finance functions and working alongside senior finance figures, as these are key aspects of the job.
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your past roles, focus on achievements that demonstrate your ability to lead and manage financial operations effectively. Use metrics where possible to show how you’ve delivered high standards of financial integrity and control.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at dnevo Partners
✨Know Your Local Government Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on the Local Government Act and understand how it impacts financial management. Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges faced by local authorities, especially in North London, to show that you’re not just a finance whiz but also someone who gets the political landscape.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Experience
Prepare examples of how you've led finance teams in complex environments. Be ready to discuss your approach to stabilising finance functions and how you’ve set clear objectives and standards in previous roles. This will help convey your capability as a calm leader in challenging situations.
✨Showcase Your Commercial Acumen
Since the role requires a mix of commercial and local government experience, be prepared to discuss how your commercial background has informed your approach to financial strategy. Highlight any successful budget strategies or financial plans you've implemented that align with both sectors.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you’ve managed relationships with auditors, government departments, and senior stakeholders in the past. Prepare to share specific instances where your financial advice made a significant impact, demonstrating your ability to communicate effectively with elected members and other senior figures.