At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and governance for Hull and East Yorkshire's growth and investment.
- Company: Join the newly established Hull and East Yorkshire Combined Authority.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, influence regional development, and shape a high-performing organisation.
- Other info: Opportunity to build effective teams and challenge conventional approaches.
- Why this job: Make a lasting impact on the region's economic future and drive innovation.
- Qualifications: Professional accountancy qualification and significant public sector finance experience required.
The predicted salary is between 125000 - 145000 £ per year.
This is an external vacancy and is not employment with East Riding of Yorkshire Council.
£125,000 - £145,000 per year
Campaign none
Term Entry Permanent
Days Monday to Friday
Address Hull
Job closes on 15 November
Interview date Interviews are To be confirmed
Service area: External
Job reference: ERYC009797
Description
The job itself Shape the Future of Hull and East Yorkshire Strategic Leadership. Commercial Ambition. Regional Transformation. Hull and East Yorkshire is entering an exciting new chapter of investment, growth and opportunity. As a newly established Combined Authority, HEYCA is at the forefront of delivering the benefits of devolution, unlocking investment, driving economic growth and creating lasting opportunities for residents, businesses and communities across the region.
We are seeking an exceptional Executive Director of Finance to join our Strategic Leadership Team and play a pivotal role in shaping the Authority's financial future. This is far more than a traditional finance leadership position. We are looking for a commercially astute, forward-thinking executive who can combine financial expertise with strategic vision, innovation and the ambition to help build a high-performing organisation.
As our statutory Section 73 Officer, you will provide the financial leadership, governance and assurance essential to our success, while helping unlock new investment opportunities, develop commercial strategies and maximise the impact of public funding. This is a rare opportunity to influence a new organisation from its formative stages and help shape the long-term economic future of Hull and East Yorkshire.
About HEYCA
The Hull and East Yorkshire Combined Authority (HEYCA) was established through the region's devolution agreement, providing unprecedented opportunities to shape the future of our area. As a strategic authority, HEYCA is responsible for driving economic growth, skills development, transport improvements, investment and regeneration across the region. Working in partnership with local authorities, businesses, education providers, government departments and community organisations, we are committed to creating sustainable growth and increasing opportunity for everyone who lives and works here.
Hull and East Yorkshire is a region with significant strengths and enormous potential. From our world-leading renewable energy sector and major ports to advanced manufacturing, logistics, digital innovation and a growing visitor economy, we are uniquely positioned to contribute to national growth while delivering local prosperity. As a developing organisation, HEYCA offers a truly unique opportunity to help shape both the future of the region and the organisation itself.
About the Role
Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, you will be a key member of HEYCA's Strategic Leadership Team, providing executive leadership across Finance, Procurement and Commercial, ICT and Digital, and Payroll. You will lead the development and delivery of the Authority's financial strategy, ensuring resources, investment and commercial activities are aligned with our ambitious regional priorities. Alongside fulfilling your statutory responsibilities as Section 73 Officer, you will champion financial sustainability, commercial innovation, robust governance and value for money.
You will play a central role in shaping major investment decisions, overseeing financial planning and grant-funded programmes, developing commercial opportunities and ensuring the Authority has the financial resilience to deliver its long-term ambitions. Working closely with the Mayor, Chief Executive, elected Members, Government departments and regional partners, you will provide trusted strategic advice and help translate regional ambitions into sustainable, measurable outcomes. You will also lead and inspire multidisciplinary teams, embedding a culture of high performance, collaboration, innovation and continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide strategic financial leadership as a member of HEYCA's Strategic Leadership Team
- Fulfil the statutory responsibilities of the Section 73 Officer, ensuring strong financial governance, accountability and regulatory compliance
- Develop and deliver the Authority's medium- and long-term financial strategies, supporting sustainable investment and organisational growth
- Lead financial planning, budgeting, treasury management and investment oversight, ensuring effective management of public resources
- Shape and oversee commercial, procurement and investment strategies, identifying opportunities for income generation, innovation and improved value for money
- Provide strategic financial advice to the Mayor, Chief Executive and senior leadership on major investment programmes and organisational priorities
- Oversee grant-funded programmes, ensuring effective financial monitoring, governance, evaluation and accountability
- Lead corporate risk management, internal controls and financial assurance arrangements
- Provide executive leadership across Finance, ICT and Digital, Procurement and Commercial, and Payroll
- Act as Senior Responsible Officer for major projects, ensuring delivery against strategic objectives
- Develop strong relationships with Government, constituent authorities, regional partners and key stakeholders
- Build and lead high-performing teams, championing professional excellence, accountability and continuous improvement
About You
You will be an accomplished senior finance leader with the credibility, commercial insight and strategic capability to operate at executive level within a complex, politically sensitive environment. You will combine a strong understanding of public sector finance and governance with a forward-thinking approach to investment, organisational development and commercial opportunities. We are particularly interested in leaders who can look beyond established ways of working, challenge constructively and bring fresh thinking to how financial and commercial services can support regional growth.
We are looking for someone who brings:
- A recognised professional accountancy qualification from a CCAB body
- Significant experience of strategic financial leadership, governance and financial management within the public sector
- Strong understanding of public sector funding, financial regulations, procurement and risk management
- A proven ability to manage significant commercial contracts and grant-funded programmes while delivering value for money
- The ability to provide clear, credible and influential advice to senior leaders and diverse stakeholders
- Exceptional strategic thinking, financial acumen and the confidence to navigate complex challenges
- Strong leadership skills, with a collaborative approach and commitment to building high-performing teams
- A genuine commitment to innovation, inclusivity, continuous improvement and delivering excellent public outcomes
Experience operating at board level, delivering large-scale financial strategies and leading organisational transformation would be particularly valuable. An understanding of combined authorities and devolved funding arrangements would also be advantageous. Above all, you will bring the ambition, integrity and determination to help establish HEYCA as a financially resilient, commercially effective and high-performing organisation.
Why Join HEYCA?
This is a unique opportunity to join a newly established Combined Authority at a defining moment in its development. Unlike many established executive finance positions, this role offers the opportunity to help shape the financial, commercial and digital foundations of an organisation with significant regional ambitions. You will work at the heart of major investment and strategic decisions, influencing how public resources are deployed to support economic growth, infrastructure, regeneration and better outcomes for communities.
You will have the opportunity to build effective services, challenge conventional approaches, develop high-performing teams and help create an organisation recognised for financial excellence, innovation and delivery. Few roles offer this combination of - Executive Influence. Commercial Opportunity. Regional Ambition. Lasting Impact.
If you are an ambitious finance leader who wants to do more than manage the numbers, and instead help shape the future of an entire region, we would welcome your application.
-Evidence of your strategic financial leadership, commercial achievements and relevant experience.
-Your experience of financial governance, public sector funding and managing complex investment programmes.
-The contribution you believe you could make to Hull and East Yorkshire Combined Authority.
Selection Process:
Shortlisted candidates will participate in a structured assessment and selection process, including stakeholder engagement activities, presentations and interviews. The preferred candidate will be subject to formal appointment by the Combined Authority. This post is politically restricted under the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 (as amended).
Hull and East Yorkshire Combined Authority is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from candidates from all backgrounds and communities. We are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the people we serve.
Executive Director of Finance employer: East Riding
East Riding is committed to fostering a supportive work environment where employees can thrive. With a focus on community welfare and professional development, the organization provides opportunities for individuals to make a positive impact in their roles.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Director of Finance
✨Tip Number 1: Tap Into Professional Networks
The finance world loves a good connection, so jump into industry-specific groups on platforms like LinkedIn where you can find discussions on financial controlling. Engaging in these communities can expose you to hidden job leads that aren't openly advertised!
✨Tip Number 2: Attend Finance Events and Conferences
Make it a mission to attend finance-related events and conferences, even virtual ones! This is a golden opportunity to network face-to-face with people from companies like East Riding. You never know who might be your next boss or a crucial contact!
✨Tip Number 3: Showcase Your Expertise
Consider writing articles or sharing insights related to financial controlling or industry trends. Publish these on platforms like LinkedIn to establish yourself as a knowledgeable player in the field. This not only increases your visibility but also catches the attention of recruiters from East Riding.
✨Tip Number 4: Apply Directly on Company Websites
Since you're going for a full-time gig, don't forget to keep an eye on the careers page of companies you're interested in, like East Riding. Many companies prefer candidates who apply through their website as it shows genuine interest and makes your application stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Executive Director of Finance
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers Game:In financial controlling, detail is everything! Make sure your CV showcases your proficiency with numbers—highlight any relevant experience in budgeting, forecasting, or working with financial software. Quantifying your past achievements will make you stand out, so don’t be shy about flaunting those impressive percentages or cost savings you've implemented.
Tailored Cover Letter is Key:Your cover letter is a chance to shine, especially for a full-time role. Use it to express your genuine interest in East Riding and the specific impact you hope to make in financial controlling. Mention any relevant qualifications or experiences that align with the company’s goals, and don’t forget to show that you're ready for a long-term commitment!
Certifications Matter:List relevant certifications such as ACCA or CIMA on your CV. These qualifications not only showcase your dedication to the field but also your technical competence in financial principles. If you have any ongoing training or courses, make sure to mention those as well to demonstrate your commitment to continual learning in financial controlling.
Don’t Overlook Soft Skills:While numbers are crucial, so are those soft skills! Financial controllers need strong communication and analytical reasoning abilities. We recommend embedding examples of these skills in your CV and cover letter, like how you’ve successfully delivered financial reports to stakeholders or collaborated with teams to improve processes. Let’s show East Riding how you can be a team player!
How to prepare for a job interview at East Riding
✨Brush Up on Technical Skills
Make sure you're comfortable with key financial concepts, especially around forecasting, budgeting, and variance analysis. Sometimes, interviewers may throw in technical questions or case studies, so practicing these types of scenarios will help you shine!
✨Showcase Your Financial Acumen
If you've had experience with specific financial software like SAP or Oracle, make it known! Be ready to discuss how you used these tools to improve processes or reporting, as this hands-on knowledge can really set you apart in a full-time role with East Riding.
✨Know Your Numbers
In full-time interviews, especially in financial controlling, be prepared for numerical reasoning tests or questions. Brush up on your mental maths and understand how to interpret and analyse financial statements on the spot, as this may come up during the assessment.
✨Connect with Company Goals
Familiarise yourself with East Riding's financial objectives and any recent developments. During the interview, try to weave your understanding of their business model and challenges into your answers—this shows your genuine interest and alignment with their goals!
