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 complex environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact during a transformative period in local government.
- Qualifications: Professional accountancy qualification and significant senior-level finance leadership 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 Witney 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 collaborative and innovative work culture. Our focus on professional growth and strategic influence ensures that you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of local government services while enjoying a supportive environment that values your contributions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Publica Group: Assistant Director – Finance in Witney
✨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 that you understand their challenges and how your skills can help shape their future. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation and reiterate your enthusiasm for the role. It keeps you fresh in their minds.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance at landing the job. We love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining the team!
We think you need these skills to ace Publica Group: Assistant Director – Finance in Witney
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, so don’t hold back on showcasing your achievements!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this role involves leading multidisciplinary teams, it’s crucial to demonstrate your leadership style. Share examples of how you've inspired confidence and driven change in previous roles – we love a good success story!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key points stand out. This will help us quickly see why you’re the right fit for the job.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget 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. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at IT for Charities
✨Know Your Numbers
As an Assistant Director in Finance, it's crucial to be well-versed in financial metrics and key performance indicators. Brush up on your knowledge of Council Tax, Business Rates, and Benefits Administration. Be prepared to discuss how you've used these metrics to drive performance improvements in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role requires a collaborative and resilient leadership style. Think about examples from your past where you've successfully led multidisciplinary teams through change. Be ready to share how you inspired confidence and clarity during challenging times, especially in complex environments.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
You'll be working closely with senior leaders and Board-level stakeholders, so anticipate questions around strategic advice and governance. Prepare to discuss how you've influenced decision-making at the executive level and how you can bring fresh ideas to Publica's finance and shared service provision.
✨Understand the Local Government Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the current trends and challenges in local government, particularly regarding the Local Government Reorganisation (LGR). Being able to articulate your understanding of these changes and how they impact finance will demonstrate your readiness for this pivotal role.
