At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial planning and budgeting to shape Ipswich's future.
- Company: Ipswich Borough Council, dedicated to community and economic growth.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension scheme, flexible working, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in local governance during a transformative period.
- Qualifications: Qualified finance professional with strong leadership and communication skills.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity for career growth and collaboration with passionate colleagues.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
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’re 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.
Key responsibilities:
- 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.
About You:
- Qualified finance professionals (CIPFA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
- 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, relocation assistance, 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.
Applying:
Early applications are encouraged as we reserve the right to interview candidates who meet the essential criteria prior to the closing date and / or to close the opportunity to applicants once we receive sufficient applications. Applications must be made by sending a current CV, Supporting Statement of not more than 2 A4 pages and Monitoring Form to financerecruitment@ipswich.gov.uk by the deadline. Please quote REQ01107 on your email. For a confidential discussion, contact Tamsin Malone, Assistant Director of Finance.
Closing deadline: 8th February 2026
Face to face interviews: 18 February 2026
Head of Finance in Ipswich employer: Ipswich Borough Council
Contact Detail:
Ipswich Borough Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance in Ipswich
✨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 the role and even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into Ipswich’s financial strategies. Familiarise yourself with their Medium-Term Financial Plan and think about how your expertise can contribute to their goals. Show them you’re not just a candidate, but the right fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! Be ready to share examples of how you've led teams through financial challenges or innovations. This will highlight your proactive approach and problem-solving skills, which are key for this role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance in Ipswich
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Head of Finance role. Highlight your qualifications, especially if you’re CIPFA, ACCA, or CIMA qualified, and don’t forget to showcase your leadership experience!
Craft a Compelling Supporting Statement: Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Use it to explain how your background aligns with our vision for Ipswich and how you can contribute to our financial strategies. Keep it concise but impactful!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: As a finance leader, excellent communication is key. In your application, demonstrate how you've effectively influenced decision-making in previous roles. We want to see your ability to engage with various stakeholders!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. Make sure to include the job reference REQ01107 in your email when sending your application to ensure it gets to the right place!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ipswich Borough Council
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Head of Finance, you’ll need to demonstrate your financial expertise. Brush up on the Medium-Term Financial Plan and be ready to discuss how you would approach budget-setting and financial reporting. Show them you can lead with confidence!
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past. Highlight your experience in leading financial functions and driving improvements in financial systems. They want to see that you can inspire and guide your team through change.
✨Communicate Effectively
Strong communication is key for this role. Practice articulating complex financial concepts in a clear and concise manner. Be ready to explain how you would advise the Council and senior managers on financial matters, ensuring your points are easily understood.
✨Be Proactive and Innovative
Ipswich Borough Council is looking for someone who can identify opportunities for financial innovation. Think about past experiences where you’ve implemented cost reductions or income generation strategies. Bring those ideas to the table during your interview!
