Chief Finance Officer in Sheffield

Job Description This is a rare opportunity to join South Yorkshire Police as Deputy Chief Finance Officer, playing a critical role in supporting one of the country's leading police forces at a time of continued ambition and evolution. Working alongside the Chief Finance Officer, you will help shape financial strategy and influence decisions that support safer communities across South Yorkshire. South Yorkshire Police serves a diverse and vibrant region covering approximately 600 square miles and a population of almost 1.4 million people. With an annual budget in excess of £380 million and a workforce of over 5,000 officers and staff, the organisation plays a vital role in protecting communities and delivering essential public services across Sheffield, Barnsley, Rotherham and Doncaster. Finance is central to achieving those ambitions. Beyond stewardship and governance, the function plays a key role in providing insight, challenge and support to senior leaders, enabling informed decisions in an increasingly complex and financially demanding environment. Significant investment has already been made in systems, infrastructure and capability, creating strong foundations for the future. The focus now is on strengthening financial leadership, enhancing business partnering, driving continuous improvement and ensuring finance remains a trusted adviser across the organisation. Joining at this stage offers a genuine opportunity to influence the future direction of finance within South Yorkshire Police and contribute to the delivery of safer communities across the region. Reporting to the Chief Finance Officer, you will provide leadership across the Finance function whilst supporting the fulfilment of statutory responsibilities as Deputy S151 Officer. Leading a multidisciplinary team of approximately 40 finance professionals, you will oversee a broad portfolio that includes financial business partnering, management accounting, financial accounting, payroll, pensions, exchequer services, insurance and organisational infrastructure. Working closely with the Chief Officer Team and senior stakeholders across the Force, you will provide expert financial advice on complex organisational decisions, support long-term financial sustainability and help ensure resources are deployed effectively to deliver the greatest possible impact for communities across South Yorkshire. Deputise for the Chief Finance Officer and undertake Deputy S151 responsibilities. Lead and develop a multidisciplinary finance team of circa 40 colleagues. Provide strategic financial advice to Chief Officers and senior stakeholders. Ensure effective financial planning, reporting and governance arrangements. Drive value for money, continuous improvement and organisational performance. Oversee business partnering, financial accounts, payroll, pensions and exchequer services. Support delivery of the medium-term financial strategy and capital programme. We are seeking an accomplished and values-led finance professional who combines strong technical credibility with exceptional leadership and relationship-building skills. A recognised CCAB professional accountancy qualification (CIPFA, ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) Significant senior finance experience within a large, complex public sector organisation Strong influencing, negotiating and stakeholder management skills A track record of driving change, continuous improvement and organisational performance Experience of developing effective partnerships to deliver robust financial management and value for money The ability to communicate complex financial issues clearly and credibly to a wide range of audiences Whilst experience within policing is not essential, candidates must be able to demonstrate significant senior finance leadership experience within the public sector and a strong understanding of the governance, accountability and stakeholder landscape in which public services operate. Salary - £87,500 - £95,000 depending on experience. Excellent benefits including access to the LGPS pension scheme with an employer contribution of 11.6% Hybrid working - 3 days a week in the office