Interim Assistant Director of Finance & Governance (Deputy S151 Officer) - Basildon Borough Council

Basildon Borough Council is delighted to be supporting the recruitment of an interim Assistant Director of Finance & Governance (Deputy S151 Officer). This is a temporary opportunity for a period of 6 months, with the expectation of being in the office a minimum of 3 days per week.

Role Purpose

The postholder will provide strategic leadership across the Council’s Finance and Governance Services, including Revenues and Benefits, Commercial and Procurement, and Audit and Risk, while acting as Deputy Section 151 Officer. They will provide expert financial and governance advice to senior leaders and elected members, lead the delivery of key priorities, policies and strategies, and ensure compliance with statutory requirements. The role will support income generation and service improvement, promote collaboration and best practice across the organisation, and champion the Council’s equality and diversity objectives.

The successful candidate will provide visible leadership through clear communication, maintain an office presence of at least three days per week, and lead service committees while supporting Scrutiny Committees.

Accountabilities

• Support the Executive Director of Resources & Governance in developing and delivering the corporate vision, value and priorities of the Council.
• Ensure the delivery of the council’s finance, commercial procurement, insurance, audit, risk and revenues and benefits services.
• Lead, direct and effectively manage high performing, customer focused services, ensuring that the Council performs its duties in accordance with relevant statutory obligations and the principles of good governance.
• Build strong corporate partnering and commissioning relationships with partners, governmental bodies and stakeholders.
• Focus on service improvement issues working under the direction of the Executive Director of Resources & Governance.
• Ensure the strategic development of the Revenues and Benefits shared service with Brentwood and Castle Point.
• Champion good governance through the Local Code of Governance.
• Provide timely, quality financial and governance advice and support to major corporate projects.
• Manage organisational talent by leading and inspiring individuals.
• Maintain current and broad knowledge of all portfolio related topics.
• Deploy internal resources and co-ordinate external service providers.
• Carry out efficient and effective performance and financial management.
• Attend and provide professional guidance and advice to relevant Committees.
• Deputise for the Executive Director of Resources and Governance as required.
• Be the responsible Information Asset Owner for the service.
• Plan, direct, control and monitor all Health and Safety matters.
• Comply with the General Data Protection Act.
• Undertake any other duties appropriate to the post.

The Experience You Will Bring

• CCAB qualified or equivalent i.e. CIMA re S151 regs.
• Membership of an appropriate professional body.
• Demonstrable experience of providing effective and expert financial and governance assurance advice.
• Significant experience of successfully leading, managing, motivating, developing and inspiring teams.
• Proven experience of dealing with Chief Executives, key stakeholders and elected Councillors.
• Significant experience in Local Government constitution, financial regulations and Local Code of Governance.
• Demonstrable experience of negotiating at a high level.
• Experience of delivering complex services and making successful improvements.
• Flexibility and ability to work under pressure.
• Experience and expert knowledge of the statutory requirement and operational delivery of an internal audit service.
• Experience of working in pursuit of collaborative/organisational goals.
• Communicate and network effectively.
• Show evidence of clear analytical thinking.
• Handle situations and problems with innovation and creativity.
• Focus on customer satisfaction and deliver a quality service.
• Seek opportunities for self-development and career advancement.

If you would like to see a copy of the full role profile, please email thea.towers@essex.gov.uk.

Basildon Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults, and expects all employees, contractors and volunteers to share its commitment to prevent abuse, harm or exploitation. The Council applies a robust recruitment vetting process. If you are successful you will need to undergo a Pre-employment Vetting Procedure.