At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the council's finance function and ensure financial governance and resilience.
- Company: Public Sector Organisation on the beautiful Isle of Wight.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, part-time hours, and flexible remote work options.
- Other info: Opportunity to lead transformation and drive efficiency in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in local governance while enjoying island life.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified CCAB accountant with extensive local government experience.
I am working with a Public Sector Organisation in the Isle of Wight who are looking for an Interim Strategic Director of Finance & S151 Officer. The role is part time (3 days a week) and paying 900 umbrella per day (inside IR35). Whilst some work will be able to be carried out remotely in an agile way, the nature of this role (Section 151) requires in person attendance at meetings on the Isle of Wight so the successful candidate should expect to spend significant time here.
Job Purpose
To provide strategic leadership and oversight of the council’s finance function, ensuring financial stewardship, robust governance, financial resilience and value for money in all council activities. As the designated Section 151 officer, ensure the discharge of statutory responsibilities for the proper administration of the council’s financial affairs, including pensions, as the council is a pension administering authority for its LGPS fund. Deputise for the chief executive, assuming full responsibilities of head of paid service in their absence, including organisational leadership and emergency decision making. To play a key role in the overall leadership of the organisation, working collaboratively with Members and partners and serving as an ambassador for the island while fostering a higher‑performing, motivated and engaged workforce committed to service excellence.
The candidate will need to lead on:
- Financial policy, strategy and management
- All duties as the Council's statutory Section 151 Officer
- Implementation of transformation and improvement plans
- Management accounting and financial planning
- Strategic procurement
- Treasury management
- Internal audit and risk assurance
- Local Government Pension Scheme
Essential skills include:
- Fully qualified CCAB accountant with substantial post‑qualification experience.
- Sound understanding of the Local Government Act 1972, specifically Section 151, and financial regulations governing local authorities.
- Extensive experience of development and delivery of a medium‑term financial strategy for a council with a gross budget exceeding £300m.
- Successfully delivery of balanced budgets despite funding reductions.
- Able to support whole council transformation to deliver significant efficiency savings.
- Can think commercially, innovatively and creatively about how funding is best deployed to support growth.
Please only apply for this post if you have the essential skills and experience as mentioned above and are happy to work in the Isle of Wight as and when needed.
Interim Strategic Director of Finance & S151 officer in London employer: Eden Brown Synergy
Join a forward-thinking Public Sector Organisation on the Isle of Wight, where you will play a pivotal role in shaping financial strategy and governance. With a commitment to fostering a collaborative work culture, this part-time position offers flexibility alongside the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the community. Benefit from professional growth opportunities while working in a supportive environment that values service excellence and employee engagement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim Strategic Director of Finance & S151 officer in London
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the finance sector, especially those who have experience in local government. Attend events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Showcase Your Expertise
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers or during interviews, make sure to highlight your experience with financial strategy and governance. Use specific examples from your past roles to demonstrate how you’ve successfully managed budgets and led teams. We want to see that you can bring real value to the table!
✨Be Ready for In-Person Meetings
Since this role requires significant time on the Isle of Wight, be prepared to discuss your availability and willingness to attend meetings in person. Show that you’re committed to being present and engaged with the team. We appreciate candidates who are ready to roll up their sleeves and dive into the local community.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to follow the process. Let’s get you one step closer to landing that interim role!
We think you need these skills to ace Interim Strategic Director of Finance & S151 officer in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your experience as a CCAB qualified accountant and your understanding of the Local Government Act 1972. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing your achievements in financial strategy and management.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for the Interim Strategic Director of Finance role. We love seeing candidates who can articulate their vision for financial stewardship and governance in local authorities.
Showcase Relevant Experience:When detailing your work history, focus on your experience with medium-term financial strategies and balanced budgets. We’re looking for someone who can demonstrate their ability to navigate funding reductions while still delivering results.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Eden Brown Synergy
✨Know Your Financial Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of the Local Government Act 1972 and Section 151 responsibilities. Be ready to discuss how you've managed financial strategies in the past, especially with budgets over £300m. This role is all about financial stewardship, so show them you know your stuff!
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a potential Strategic Director, you'll need to demonstrate your leadership capabilities. Prepare examples of how you've led teams or projects, particularly in challenging situations. Highlight your experience in fostering a motivated workforce and how you've driven transformation in previous roles.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical situations related to financial management and governance. Think about how you would handle budget cuts or implement efficiency savings. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your thought process clearly during the interview.
✨Understand the Isle of Wight Context
Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges and opportunities facing the Isle of Wight council. Research recent initiatives or financial strategies they've implemented. Showing that you understand the local context will demonstrate your commitment and readiness to take on the role effectively.
