Strategic Director of Finance (s151 Officer) in Cardiff

Job Category: Finance, Revenues & Benefit

Job location: Sbarc | Spark, Maindy Road, Cardiff, CF24 4HQ, Cardiff Capital Region

Hours per week: 37

Start date: Immediate start

Salary: £55.00 per hour

Special Conditions: Casual Car User. A full and valid driving licence and the use of own car would be an advantage. Occasional weekend and evening working may be required.

This post is politically restricted in accordance with the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 (as amended by the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009).

Location of Post: The office location of this post will be Sbarc; however, home local/field working will be a requirement of the role. Agile working is a key feature and expectation of this role.

Job Purpose: To enact the statutory role of Responsible Financial Officer for CCR, making arrangements for the proper administration of financial affairs, in accordance with s151 of the Local Government Act 1972. To ensure the effective stewardship of public funds, demonstrating the capability to maximise the impact of all CCR’s strategic resources, to contribute to a Medium-Term Financial Plan that puts the new entity on a fit for the future footing. To lead and drive effective strategic resourcing that supports delivery of the Target Operating Model and the long-term growth and sustainability plans of CCR, in concert with s151 contemporaries from across the 11 constituent member authorities. To oversee risk, compliance and assurance functions, in order that key reporting, evaluation and validation requirements are met; good governance and decision making is supported, safeguarding the interests of CCR at all times.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities: To enact the role of Responsible Financial Officer (s151) for CCR, ensuring the effective and efficient financial leadership of all major plans, policies and programmes being delivered under the auspices of CCR.

Qualifications:

• Educated to degree level or equivalent, with demonstrable evidence of continuous professional and personal development.
• Evidence of a chartered accountancy body qualification.
• Ability to communicate in the Welsh language, or commitment to learn.
• Experience / Knowledge of engaging with leading developers, investors, businesses and universities to secure financial value.
• Significant experience in shaping and delivering financial plans and functions that underpin wider corporate priorities and objectives.
• Experience and knowledge of impactful service delivery, against a backdrop of economic instability, change and political challenge.
• Demonstrable experience of working with colleagues across organisations and beyond to deliver a joined-up approach to service planning and delivery.
• High degree of political sensitivity and experience in dealing with a range of complex issues and stakeholders with often conflicting agendas.
• Proven ability to deliver targets and prioritise projects.
• Established senior leader with five years of experience in a board/executive-level position.
• Knowledge of sustainable development initiatives.
• Experience as a chief financial officer in either a business or Local Government setting.
• Demonstrable experience of operating successfully within a multi-stakeholder environment, developing effective partnerships, and delivering lasting change and improvement.
• Experience of working in public/private partnerships.

Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to think and act strategically, developing practical, innovative, and creative solutions to complex problems.
• Ability to demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of risk and develop a risk-wise culture.
• Strong technical and financial proficiency, evidenced through examples of solving complex problems.
• Ability to work within a complex political structure, building engagement, trust and confidence in an environment where competing interests and commercial sensitivities exist.
• Outcome-focused, with the capability and tenacity to drive the agenda forward.
• Demonstrates clear leadership skills, supporting and encouraging others to achieve good performance and develop their potential.
• Proven ability to effectively manage a performance-driven service and to meet set targets.
• Commercially proficient with experience of delivering schemes for or with the private sector.