At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance and shared services for multiple councils, driving innovation and performance.
- Company: Publica Group Ltd, transforming local services with a customer-focused approach.
- Benefits: Agile working, 33 days annual leave, health cash plan, and generous pension scheme.
- Other info: Opportunity to lead transformation in a dynamic and evolving environment.
- Why this job: Shape the future of public sector services while gaining career-defining experience.
- Qualifications: Professional accountancy qualification and significant senior-level finance leadership experience required.
A variety of soft skills and experience may be required for the following role. Please ensure you check the overview below carefully.
£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, which will complement the strong technical expertise already in place across the organisation, and 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
- BPSS
- This post 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.
What can we do for you:
- Agile working allowing a mix of home and office working
- JNC Chief Officer Terms and Conditions, which includes 33 days paid annual leave (pro rata if you are working part time) plus bank holidays
- Two volunteering days off a year for you to support a charity of your choice
- Health cash plan giving you cash back on health, dental and eye care
- Pension scheme with a good employer contribution of up to 7% of your earnings
- Employee Assistance Programme 24/7, providing positive, preventative and supportive advice and counselling to deal with everyday events and issues
- Cycle to work scheme
- Salary sacrifice car lease scheme with significant tax and NI savings to be made on electric cars
- Generous sickness cover above statutory entitlements
- Additional income protection, covering 50% of your salary for potentially a further five years if you are unable to work due to sickness or injury
- Life assurance, currently four times your annual salary
To apply for this position please click on "apply now" within this page and submit your CV and supporting statement. Please tell us about your skills, knowledge, qualifications, experience and how they meet the criteria listed above and in the job description/person specification. It’s important that we’re a good fit for each other, so let us know what’s important to you and why you want to work for Publica Group Ltd. Your application will not be considered if you have not provided a supporting statement, in addition to your CV.
You will be employed by Publica Group Ltd which was created by four partner Councils (West Oxfordshire District Council, Cotswold District Council, Cheltenham Borough Council and Forest of Dean District Council) to deliver more efficient and improved services. Publica is committed to meeting its statutory and moral duties to safeguard and promote the welfare of children, young people under 18 years of age and adults at risk who are the recipients of its services and/or activities.
Publica is a unique place to work, established to transform the way local services are delivered, fundamentally rethinking the way our services are designed and delivered in a digital era, making us a customer-focused organisation driven by real user needs.
Assistant Director – Finance employer: Publica Group
Publica Group Ltd is an exceptional employer that offers a unique opportunity for finance professionals to lead transformative change in local government services. With a strong commitment to employee well-being, the company provides agile working options, generous leave policies, and a supportive work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. Employees benefit from extensive professional development opportunities and a comprehensive benefits package, making it an attractive place for those seeking meaningful and impactful careers in the public sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Director – Finance
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who have experience in 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 drive innovation and improve performance at Publica.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your extensive finance experience aligns with the role’s requirements. We want to hear how you can lead transformation and inspire confidence during this period of change.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Director – Finance
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Thoroughly:Before you start writing, take a good look at the job description. Make sure you understand what we're looking for in an Assistant Director – Finance. This will help you tailor your application to highlight the skills and experiences that matter most to us.
Craft a Compelling Supporting Statement:Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Use it to explain how your skills and experience align with the role. Be specific about your achievements and how they relate to the responsibilities listed in the job description. We want to see your personality come through!
Showcase Your Leadership Style:Since this role involves leading teams and driving change, make sure to highlight your leadership style. Share examples of how you've inspired confidence and brought people together in previous roles. We love hearing about your collaborative approach and resilience!
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! It's the easiest way for us to receive your application. Make sure to include both your CV and your supporting statement, as we won't consider applications without them. We can't wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Publica Group
✨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.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role requires a collaborative and resilient leadership style. Prepare examples of how you've led multidisciplinary teams through change or transformation. Highlight your ability to inspire confidence and create clarity during complex situations, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Understand the Local Government Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the current challenges and opportunities within local government, especially regarding the Local Government Reorganisation (LGR). Being able to discuss these topics will demonstrate your commitment to the sector and your readiness to contribute to Publica’s mission.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions about the organisation's future direction, particularly around shared services and finance systems modernisation. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if Publica is the right fit for you.
