At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and governance for a forward-thinking local authority.
- Company: Dynamic local government sector with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and impactful leadership role.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements with opportunities for team development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in local governance while enhancing your finance career.
- Qualifications: Qualified finance professional with significant local government experience.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 70000 € per year.
Are you seeking your next interim position within the local government sector? We have a rewarding position available for an Interim Head of Finance within Stoke on Trent. We are seeking an experienced and proactive Interim Head of Finance to provide strategic financial leadership within a forward-thinking local authority. Reporting directly to the Section 151 Officer, you will play a key role in ensuring strong financial governance, budget management, and statutory compliance across the council.
Location: It is vital you can attend the office 2 days a week, or agree block attendances across the month. This is a high-profile leadership position requiring a commercially minded finance professional with significant local government experience and the ability to operate effectively in a complex political environment.
Key Responsibilities- Support the Section 151 Officer in delivering the council’s financial strategy and statutory responsibilities
- Lead on budget setting, medium-term financial planning, and year-end accounts
- Provide strategic financial advice to senior leadership teams, elected members, and service directors
- Oversee treasury management, capital programmes, and financial reporting
- Drive financial improvement, transformation, and efficiency initiatives
- Ensure robust financial controls, governance, and compliance with CIPFA and local government regulations
- Manage and develop finance teams to deliver high-quality services
- Lead on external audit liaison and regulatory returns
We are looking for a qualified finance professional (CIPFA, ACCA, ACA or equivalent) with:
- Significant senior finance leadership experience within local government
- Strong understanding of local authority finance, governance, and statutory requirements
- Experience supporting or deputising for a Section 151 Officer
- Proven ability to lead teams through change and financial challenge
- Excellent stakeholder management and political awareness
- Strong analytical, communication, and leadership skills
Interim Head of Finance in Stoke-on-Trent employer: Opus People Solutions Ltd
Join a forward-thinking local authority in Stoke on Trent as an Interim Head of Finance, where you will be part of a dynamic team dedicated to driving financial excellence and governance. Our supportive work culture fosters professional growth, offering opportunities to lead transformative initiatives while ensuring compliance and strategic financial management. With a commitment to community service and collaboration, this role provides a meaningful chance to make a significant impact within the local government sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim Head of Finance in Stoke-on-Trent
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the local government sector. Attend events, join relevant online groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to former colleagues or industry contacts. You never know who might have the inside scoop on your next big opportunity!
✨Showcase Your Expertise
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience in financial governance and budget management. Share specific examples of how you've led teams through challenges and improved financial processes. This will show them you’re the proactive leader they need!
✨Be Ready for Interviews
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on local authority finance regulations and current issues in the sector. Think about how your skills align with the role of Interim Head of Finance and be ready to discuss how you can support the Section 151 Officer effectively. Confidence is key!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply for this role through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Interim Head of Finance in Stoke-on-Trent
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Interim Head of Finance role. Highlight your local government experience and any relevant qualifications like CIPFA or ACCA. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this position. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your strategic financial leadership and ability to navigate complex political environments.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use numbers and examples to illustrate how you've driven financial improvement and managed budgets effectively in previous roles. We love seeing results!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Opus People Solutions Ltd
✨Know Your Numbers
As an Interim Head of Finance, you’ll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics relevant to local government and be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed budgets and financial strategies in the past.
✨Understand the Political Landscape
This role requires navigating a complex political environment. Research the local authority's current challenges and priorities. Be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs and how you can contribute to their strategic goals.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
You’ll be leading finance teams, so highlight your leadership style and experiences. Share specific examples of how you’ve guided teams through change or financial challenges, and how you foster collaboration and high performance.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities in real-world scenarios. Think about past situations where you had to make tough financial decisions or implement changes, and be ready to explain your thought process and outcomes.
