Strategic Head of Finance & S151 Officer in Kent
Strategic Head of Finance & S151 Officer

Strategic Head of Finance & S151 Officer in Kent

Kent Full-Time 60000 - 70000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Morgan Law

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the financial strategy and oversee the Council's budget and trading companies.
  • Company: Sevenoaks District Council, committed to effective governance and community support.
  • Benefits: Permanent position with opportunities for professional development and skill enhancement.
  • Other info: Collaborative environment with potential for career growth and leadership in financial projects.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on local governance and shape the financial future of the community.
  • Qualifications: Fully qualified accountant with Local Government finance experience.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 70000 £ per year.

Sevenoaks District Council is looking to recruit its new Strategic Head of Finance S151 Officer on a permanent basis. Working across the whole organisation, you'll have strategic oversight of the financial core of the Council, including the Council's budget and the Council's trading companies.

As the Section 151 Officer, you will play a key role in supporting the Council through its wider journey, including preparation for Local Government Reorganisation. Reporting into the Corporate Director of Customer, Digital Resources you'll provide advice on budget policy framework and have the authority to make decisions, ensuring they are all lawful and financially sound.

In addition, you'll take ownership of the final accounts process, overseeing the preparation of the statement of accounts and interpreting complex guidance. At Sevenoaks, you'll have the opportunity to develop your skills further by working with the Head of Internal Audit and to oversee the external audit process, ensuring that the Council works effectively and within best practice.

You'll also have the potential to hone your expertise by developing the Council's financial vision and leading on a variety of projects from a financial perspective, assessing viability.

To be considered for the role you will need to be a fully qualified accountant with comprehensive Local Government finance experience, including the production of the statutory Statement of Accounts and budget.

Strategic Head of Finance & S151 Officer in Kent employer: Morgan Law

Sevenoaks District Council is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where you can make a significant impact on the community. With a strong focus on professional development, employees are encouraged to enhance their skills and take on leadership roles within a supportive culture that values collaboration and innovation. Located in the picturesque Sevenoaks area, the Council provides a unique opportunity to contribute to local governance while enjoying a balanced work-life experience.
Morgan Law

Contact Detail:

Morgan Law Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Strategic Head of Finance & S151 Officer in Kent

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who have experience with local government. They might have insider info on the role or even put in a good word for you.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of local government finance. Be ready to discuss how you've handled budgets and financial strategies in the past, as this will show you're the right fit for the Strategic Head of Finance role.

✨Tip Number 3

Showcase your leadership skills! Think about examples where you've led financial projects or teams. This is key for a position that involves overseeing the Council's financial vision and working with various stakeholders.

✨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 Strategic Head of Finance & S151 Officer in Kent

Strategic Financial Oversight
Budget Management
Local Government Finance
Statutory Statement of Accounts
Financial Decision-Making
Complex Guidance Interpretation
External Audit Process Management
Internal Audit Collaboration
Financial Vision Development
Project Leadership
Viability Assessment
Qualified Accountant

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Strategic Head of Finance role. Highlight your Local Government finance experience and any relevant projects you've led, as this will show us you're the right fit for the job.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your background makes you the perfect candidate. Don’t forget to mention your experience with budget policy frameworks and statutory accounts.

Showcase Your Decision-Making Skills: As a Section 151 Officer, decision-making is key. In your application, provide examples of past decisions you've made that had a significant impact on financial outcomes. This will help us see your capability in action!

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates during the process. We can’t wait to hear from you!

How to prepare for a job interview at Morgan Law

✨Know Your Numbers

As a Strategic Head of Finance, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've managed budgets in the past. Be prepared to provide examples of how you've ensured financial soundness in previous roles.

✨Understand Local Government Dynamics

Familiarise yourself with the current landscape of local government finance, especially any recent changes or challenges. This will show that you’re not just qualified but also engaged with the sector's evolving needs, which is crucial for the role.

✨Prepare for Scenario Questions

Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-world scenarios. Think about past experiences where you had to make tough financial decisions or navigate complex regulations, and be ready to explain your thought process and outcomes.

✨Showcase Leadership Skills

As this role involves overseeing various teams and projects, highlight your leadership experience. Share specific instances where you've led a team through change or improved processes, demonstrating your ability to guide the Council effectively.

Strategic Head of Finance & S151 Officer in Kent
Morgan Law
Location: Kent

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