At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance and shared services for multiple councils, driving innovation and performance.
- Company: Publica Group, shaping the future of public sector services.
- Benefits: Agile working, generous leave, health cash plan, and employee assistance programme.
- Other info: Opportunity for strategic influence and operational leadership in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact during a transformative period in local government.
- Qualifications: Professional accountancy qualification and significant senior-level finance experience required.
The predicted salary is between 99174 - 99174 £ per year.
£99,174 per annum, 37 hours per week, 18 months fixed term contract, Cirencester/Coleford/Witney/Agile Working.
We are looking for an exceptional finance professional who will lead our finance and shared service provision for multiple councils and stakeholders, playing a pivotal role in shaping our future at Publica in the run up to Local Government Reorganisation (LGR). You will bring extensive experience and be highly skilled in strategic and transactional finance, and shared service provision incorporating Council Tax, Business Rates and Benefits Administration across councils and third parties, which will complement the strong technical expertise already in place across the organisation, and will be committed to delivering high-quality, value-driven services that leverage the best of both public and commercial environments.
You will work directly with senior leaders, elected members and Board-level stakeholders, providing strategic advice and guidance to ensure we have robust governance arrangements, drive innovation, improve performance and shape long-term strategy within a complex and evolving environment. As part of the senior leadership team, you’ll be trusted to challenge thinking, bring fresh ideas and shape the future of the finance and shared service provision, as well as representing Publica, its services and operating model in the Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) programmes for both Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire.
As we enter this period of significant change in the Public Sector, you will also need to be a leader who can bring people together, create clarity and inspire confidence during this period of transformation and opportunity. This is a rare opportunity to combine strategic influence with hands-on leadership in a role that offers both visibility and genuine career-defining experience.
Some of the key areas of responsibility and projects include:
- Driving the continued evolution and improvement of our shared services across our partnership
- Leading finance systems modernisation, including ERP transformation and automation initiatives
- Preparing services and people for the potential impact of LGR, and representing Publica and its operating model in LGR programmes across Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire
- Improving service performance, efficiency and customer experience across finance and other transactional services
- Providing strategic advice and guidance to the Board, senior leaders, and Council Section 151 Officers
- Leading multidisciplinary teams across finance, revenues & benefits, treasury and transactional services
- Embedding a culture of innovation, continuous improvement and high performance
This role offers a unique combination of strategic influence, operational leadership and transformational impact, providing an outstanding opportunity for an ambitious leader looking to shape the future of public sector services.
About you
We are looking for a credible, commercially minded and forward-thinking finance leader who can operate confidently within a complex environment and build strong relationships across a wide range of stakeholders. You will bring:
- A recognised professional accountancy qualification (CCAB/CIPFA or equivalent)
- Significant senior-level finance leadership experience, preferably in the public sector
- Experience operating at executive, board or committee level
- A strong track record of leading transformation, improvement and change programmes
- Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills
- The ability to balance strategic leadership with operational delivery
- A collaborative and resilient leadership style
- Strong commercial awareness and a focus on outcomes and continuous improvement
Special conditions:
- Ability to travel
- BPSS
This post is designated as politically restricted in accordance with the Local Government and Housing Act 1989. Politically restricted post holders are restricted from canvassing on behalf of a political party or for a person who is, or seeks to be, a candidate for election to a local authority, the House of Commons, or the European Parliament.
What can we do for you:
- Agile working allowing a mix of home and office working
- JNC Chief Officer Terms and Conditions, which includes 33 days paid annual leave (pro rata if you are working part time) plus bank holidays
- Two volunteering days off a year for you to support a charity of your choice
- Health cash plan giving you cash back on health, dental and eye care
- Pension scheme with a good employer contribution of up to 7% of your earnings
- Employee Assistance Programme 24/7, providing positive, preventative and supportive advice and counselling to deal with everyday events and issues
- Cycle to work scheme
- Salary sacrifice car lease scheme with significant tax and NI savings to be made on electric cars
- Generous sickness cover above statutory entitlements
- Additional income protection, covering 50% of your salary for potentially a further five years if you are unable to work due to sickness or injury
- Life assurance, currently four times your annual salary
For more information about this role please see the Job Description/Person Specification.
Publica Group: Assistant Director – Finance in Cirencester employer: IT for Charities
Publica Group is an exceptional employer that offers a unique opportunity for finance professionals to lead transformative initiatives within the public sector. With a strong commitment to employee well-being, we provide agile working arrangements, generous leave policies, and comprehensive health benefits, fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement. Our focus on professional development and strategic influence ensures that you will not only contribute to meaningful change but also grow your career in a supportive and dynamic environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Publica Group: Assistant Director – Finance in Cirencester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who have experience with local government. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Publica and its role in Local Government Reorganisation. Show us you understand the challenges and opportunities ahead, and how your skills can make a difference.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your extensive finance experience aligns with the needs of Publica. Highlight your leadership style and how you can inspire teams during this transformation.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Publica Group: Assistant Director – Finance in Cirencester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in strategic and transactional finance. We want to see how your skills align with the role, especially in shared service provision and local government.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:This role is all about leading teams and driving change. Use your application to demonstrate your leadership style and any successful transformation projects you've led. We love seeing examples of how you've inspired confidence and clarity in complex environments.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key achievements and experiences stand out without unnecessary fluff. Remember, less is often more!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at IT for Charities
✨Know Your Numbers
As an Assistant Director in Finance, you’ll need to demonstrate your expertise in strategic and transactional finance. Brush up on key financial metrics relevant to local government and be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive decisions in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role requires a collaborative and resilient leadership style. Prepare examples of how you've led multidisciplinary teams through change, particularly in complex environments. Highlight your ability to inspire confidence and bring people together during transformation.
✨Understand the Bigger Picture
Familiarise yourself with the Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) context. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to shaping the future of public sector services and what innovative ideas you might bring to the table.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Strong stakeholder management is crucial for this position. Think of specific instances where you've successfully influenced senior leaders or board members. Be ready to discuss your approach to building relationships and ensuring robust governance arrangements.
