At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance and shared services for multiple councils, driving innovation and performance.
- Company: Publica, a forward-thinking organisation shaping the future of local government.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, agile working, and opportunities for career-defining experiences.
- Other info: Join a dynamic leadership team and inspire change across Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire.
- Why this job: Make a real impact during a transformative period in the public sector.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in strategic finance and shared service provision.
The predicted salary is between 99174 - 99174 € per year.
About The Role
Assistant Director Finance £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. This will complement the strong technical expertise already in place across the organisation, and you 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
Assistant Director - Finance (Shared Services) employer: Publica Group Ltd
Publica is an exceptional employer that offers a dynamic work environment in the heart of Gloucestershire, where you can make a meaningful impact on local communities. With a strong commitment to employee development, we provide ample opportunities for growth and innovation, fostering a collaborative culture that values fresh ideas and strategic thinking. Join us as we navigate exciting changes in the public sector, and be part of a team that is dedicated to delivering high-quality services while shaping the future of finance and shared services.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Director - Finance (Shared Services)
✨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 the organisation and its recent projects. Show us you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate how your skills can specifically help Publica during this exciting transformation period.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your extensive experience in strategic and transactional finance aligns with the role. We want to hear how you can drive innovation and improve performance.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team at Publica.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Director - Finance (Shared Services)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Assistant Director - Finance role. Highlight your experience in strategic and transactional finance, and don’t forget to mention any relevant shared service provision work you've done. We want to see how your skills align with 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 role at Publica. Share specific examples of how you’ve driven innovation and improved performance in previous roles. We love seeing your personality come through!
Showcase Leadership Skills:As a senior leader, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to inspire and lead teams. In your application, highlight instances where you’ve brought people together during times of change or transformation. We’re looking for someone who can create clarity and confidence!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about Publica and what we stand for!
How to prepare for a job interview at Publica Group Ltd
✨Know Your Numbers
As an Assistant Director in Finance, you’ll need to demonstrate your expertise in strategic and transactional finance. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive decisions in previous roles. This will show that you can bring value to the organisation right from the start.
✨Understand the Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the current challenges and opportunities in local government finance, especially regarding Local Government Reorganisation (LGR). Being able to speak knowledgeably about these topics will impress your interviewers and show that you're proactive about understanding the environment you'll be working in.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led teams through change or transformation. Highlight your ability to inspire confidence and create clarity during complex situations. This is crucial for a role that involves leading multidisciplinary teams and driving innovation in shared services.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since this role involves working closely with senior leaders and elected members, think about how you can demonstrate your stakeholder engagement skills. Prepare to discuss how you've successfully navigated relationships in the past and how you plan to build trust and collaboration in this new role.
