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- Tasks: Lead financial planning and reporting to shape Ipswich’s future.
- Company: Ipswich Borough Council, dedicated to community and local economy.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holidays, flexible working, and professional development.
- 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 great colleagues.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ 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 proud organisation, we 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.
You will lead the Council’s financial planning and reporting function, ensuring robust, strategic, and compliant financial management across the organisation. Key responsibilities include:
- 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.
About You
We’re looking for qualified finance professionals (CIPFA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) with:
- 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 fulfil the 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. Please download the Job Description and Person Specification to find out more about this role.
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. Email: Tamsin.malone@ipswich.gov.uk Mobile: 07880 936366. Closing deadline: 8th February 2026. Face to face interviews: 18 February 2026.
Head of Finance - Financial Planning and Reporting 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 - Financial Planning and Reporting 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 potential referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching Ipswich Borough Council's recent financial strategies and challenges. Show us that you’re not just a finance whiz but also genuinely interested in making a difference in the community.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! We want to hear about times you've successfully led teams or projects. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and make them memorable.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to Ipswich’s future.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance - Financial Planning and Reporting in Ipswich
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the job description. Highlight your leadership and financial expertise, especially in local government or similar environments. We want to see how you can contribute to shaping Ipswich’s future!
Craft a Compelling Supporting Statement: Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your proactive approach aligns with our goals. Keep it concise but impactful – we’re looking for clarity and enthusiasm.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since excellent communication is key for this role, make sure your application reflects your ability to influence and engage with various stakeholders. Use clear language and structure your thoughts logically – we appreciate a well-organised application!
Apply Early!: Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application. We encourage early applications as we may start interviewing before the closing date. Head over to our website to apply and join us on this exciting journey!
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 acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and the Medium-Term Financial Plan (MTFP) specifics. Be ready to discuss how you’ve successfully managed budgets in previous roles.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
This role requires strong leadership and people management skills. Prepare examples of how you've led teams through change or complex projects. Highlight your ability to inspire and influence others, especially in a public sector context.
✨Communicate Clearly
Excellent communication is crucial for this position. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Think about how you can explain complex financial concepts to non-financial stakeholders, as this will be key in your role.
✨Be Proactive and Collaborative
The job calls for a proactive approach to problem-solving. Prepare to discuss instances where you’ve collaborated with other departments to drive financial innovation or improve processes. Show that you’re adaptable and ready to tackle challenges head-on.
