At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance transformation and drive innovation in public sector services.
- Company: Join Publica Group Ltd, a collaborative organisation improving local government services.
- Benefits: Enjoy agile working, generous leave, health cash plans, and employee support programmes.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team during a period of significant change and opportunity.
- 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
Assistant Director - Finance in Walsall employer: Publica Group
Publica Group Ltd is an exceptional employer that offers a unique opportunity for ambitious leaders to shape the future of public sector services in Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire. With a strong commitment to innovation, continuous improvement, and employee well-being, we provide agile working arrangements, generous leave policies, and comprehensive health benefits, all within a collaborative and supportive work culture that values strategic influence and operational leadership.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Director - Finance in Walsall
✨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 us you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate how your skills can drive innovation and improve performance in their specific context.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You’ll want to clearly articulate your vision for the role and how you can contribute to shaping the future of finance services. Confidence is key, so rehearse with a friend or in front of the mirror.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Director - Finance in Walsall
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience in finance leadership and transformation. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your achievements!
Showcase Your Strategic Thinking:In your application, emphasise your ability to provide strategic advice and guidance. Use examples from your past roles where you’ve influenced decision-making or led change initiatives. We love seeing candidates who can think big!
Highlight Stakeholder Management Skills:Since this role involves working with senior leaders and Board-level stakeholders, make sure to illustrate your experience in managing relationships and influencing others. Share specific instances where you’ve successfully navigated complex stakeholder environments.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensure you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Don’t miss out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Publica Group
✨Know Your Governance Inside Out
Make sure you understand the governance arrangements and strategic frameworks relevant to the role. Brush up on Publica's operating model and how it fits into the Local Government Reorganisation programmes for Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire. This will help you demonstrate your ability to provide strategic advice effectively.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare examples that highlight your collaborative and resilient leadership style. Think about times when you've successfully led multidisciplinary teams or driven transformation initiatives. Be ready to discuss how you inspire confidence and create clarity during periods of change.
✨Demonstrate Stakeholder Management Skills
Be prepared to talk about your experience in managing relationships with senior leaders, elected members, and Board-level stakeholders. Share specific instances where you've influenced decision-making or improved service performance through effective communication and collaboration.
✨Bring Fresh Ideas to the Table
As part of the interview, think about innovative solutions or improvements you've implemented in previous roles. Discuss how you can drive innovation and continuous improvement within finance and shared services, aligning with the goals of Publica during this transformative period.
