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 public sector services.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team and influence the future of public services.
- Why this job: Make a real impact during a transformative period in local government.
- Qualifications: Professional accountancy qualification and significant senior-level finance leadership experience.
The predicted salary is between 99174 - 99174 £ per year.
About The Role
£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. 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 & benefits, treasury and transactional services
- Embedding a culture of innovation, continuous improvement and high performance
This role offers a unique combination of strategic influence, operational leadership and transformational impact, providing an outstanding opportunity for an ambitious leader looking to shape the future of public sector services.
About you
We are looking for a credible, commercially minded and forward-thinking finance leader who can operate confidently within a complex environment and build strong relationships across a wide range of stakeholders.
You will bring:
- A recognised professional accountancy qualification (CCAB/CIPFA or equivalent)
- Significant senior-level finance leadership experience, preferably in the public sector
- Experience operating at executive, board or committee level
- A strong track record of leading transformation, improvement and change programmes
- Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills
- The ability to balance strategic leadership with operational delivery
- A collaborative and resilient leadership style
- Strong commercial awareness and a focus on outcomes and continuous improvement
Special conditions: Ability to travel.
This post is designated as politically restricted in accordance with the Local Government and Housing Act 1989. Politically restricted post holders are restricted from canvassing on behalf of a political party or for a person who is, or seeks to be, a candidate for election to a local authority, the House of Commons, or the European Parliament.
For more information about this role please see the Job Description/Person Specification.
Proposed shortlisting dates: 15th June - 16th June
SLT Interview: 22nd June (In person)
Stakeholder Interview: 26th June (shortlist from the initial SLT Interviews)
To find out more information about our benefits and about our organisation please click the apply button which will redirect you to our careers page where you have all the details about this role.
Assistant Director - Finance (Shared Services) in Cirencester employer: Publica Group Ltd
Publica is an exceptional employer that offers a unique opportunity for finance professionals to lead transformative change within the public sector. With a strong commitment to innovation and high-quality service delivery, employees benefit from a collaborative work culture that encourages professional growth and strategic influence. Located in the picturesque areas of Cirencester, Coleford, and Witney, the role provides a chance to make a meaningful impact while enjoying the advantages of agile working arrangements.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Director - Finance (Shared Services) in Cirencester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who have experience in public services. 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 them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in how you can contribute to their goals, especially during the Local Government Reorganisation.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate your leadership style and how you’ve driven transformation in previous roles. Highlight your ability to inspire teams and improve service performance—this is key for the Assistant Director role.
✨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 you’re serious about joining us at Publica and making a difference in the finance landscape.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Director - Finance (Shared Services) in Cirencester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in strategic and transactional finance. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your achievements!
Showcase Leadership Experience:Since this role involves leading multidisciplinary teams, it’s crucial to emphasise your leadership experience. Share specific examples of how you've inspired teams and driven change in previous roles – we love a good success story!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read through your qualifications and experiences. We appreciate a well-structured application!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our careers page! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details about the role and our organisation there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Publica Group Ltd
✨Know Your Numbers
As an Assistant Director in Finance, it's crucial to be well-versed in financial metrics and key performance indicators. Brush up on the latest trends in strategic and transactional finance, especially those relevant to local government. This will not only show your expertise but also demonstrate your commitment to delivering high-quality services.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to discuss your leadership approach, especially how you inspire confidence and bring people together during times of change. Think of specific examples where you've led multidisciplinary teams or driven transformation initiatives. This will help interviewers see how you can fit into their senior leadership team.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since this role involves working closely with senior leaders and elected members, be ready to talk about your experience in stakeholder management. Share stories that highlight your influencing skills and how you've successfully navigated complex environments to achieve outcomes.
✨Emphasise Continuous Improvement
The job description mentions a culture of innovation and continuous improvement. Prepare to discuss how you've implemented changes that improved service performance and customer experience in previous roles. This will align perfectly with what they’re looking for in a candidate.
