At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic finance initiatives and drive innovation in public sector transformation.
- Company: Join Publica Group Ltd, a collaborative organisation improving local government services.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, health cash plans, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of public services while making a real impact in your community.
- Qualifications: Professional accountancy qualification and significant senior finance leadership experience required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 70000 £ per year.
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 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.
Responsibilities
- 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.
Qualifications
- 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.
You will be employed by Publica Group Ltd, 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.
Benefits
- 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
Strategic Finance Lead – Public Sector Transformation employer: Publica Group
Publica Group Ltd is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity for strategic finance leaders to influence and transform public sector services across Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire. With a commitment to innovation, continuous improvement, and a supportive work culture, employees benefit from agile working arrangements, generous leave policies, and comprehensive health and wellbeing support, all while playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of local governance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Finance Lead – Public Sector Transformation
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the public sector and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. Attend industry events or webinars where you can meet key players and get your name out there.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the organisation and its recent projects. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals, especially around transformation and innovation in finance.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Think of examples where you've successfully led teams through change or improved service delivery. This is your chance to shine and demonstrate how you can inspire confidence in others.
✨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 their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Finance Lead – Public Sector Transformation
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in strategic finance and public sector transformation. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your achievements!
Showcase Leadership Skills:Since this role involves leading multidisciplinary teams, it’s crucial to demonstrate your leadership style and how you inspire confidence in others. Share specific examples of how you've successfully led change and improved performance in previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, clarity is key! Use straightforward language and get straight to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read and understand.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Publica Group
✨Know Your Stakeholders
Before the interview, research the key stakeholders you’ll be working with, including senior leaders and elected members. Understanding their priorities and challenges will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate how you can provide strategic advice that aligns with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Transformation Experience
Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've led transformation and change programmes in the past. Highlight your ability to drive innovation and improve performance, especially in complex environments like the public sector. Use metrics or outcomes to illustrate your impact.
✨Emphasise Collaborative Leadership
This role requires a collaborative and resilient leadership style. Prepare to share instances where you've successfully brought teams together to achieve common goals. Discuss how you inspire confidence and create clarity during periods of change, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and strategic thinking. Think about potential challenges related to Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) and how you would approach them. This will show your readiness to tackle real-world issues in the role.
