At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial planning and governance for a local authority, supporting senior management.
- Company: Join a dynamic local authority with a focus on effective financial management.
- Benefits: Competitive day rate, hybrid working, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a supportive and inclusive environment.
- Why this job: Shape the future of local finance while working closely with senior leaders.
- Qualifications: CCAB qualified with significant local government finance experience.
Type: Interim 3 to 6-month contract
Day Rate: £600pd to £800pd inside IR35
Hybrid: Regular office attendance required
Location: Leicestershire
Sellick Partnership are working with a local authority who are seeking an experienced Acting Deputy S151 Finance Manager to provide senior-level leadership across key areas of the Council's finance function and support the Director of Resources in the role of Deputy S151 Officer. This is a senior interim opportunity for a qualified finance professional with strong local government experience, who can provide leadership across financial planning, statutory reporting, accounting and governance. The successful candidate will work closely with senior officers and elected members, attending meetings in the Council's Coalville offices and supporting occasional evening meetings.
The responsibilities of the Acting Deputy S151 Finance Manager will be:
- Providing senior leadership across financial planning, budget setting, council tax, statutory reporting and financial and capital accounting.
- Supporting the Director of Resources as Deputy S151 Officer and providing high-level financial advice to senior management and elected members.
- Overseeing the production of the Council's annual accounts and working closely with external auditors to support a successful audit process.
- Providing financial expertise across business cases, major projects, asset management, funding opportunities and capital investment decisions.
- Supporting the development of the Council's medium and long-term financial plans, including the HRA Business Plan.
- Strengthening financial controls, governance and processes while identifying opportunities to improve the overall effectiveness of the finance function.
- Promoting strong financial management across the organisation, ensuring value for money and effective management of financial risks and resources.
The ideal candidate for the Acting Deputy S151 Finance Manager role will have:
- CCAB qualification and current membership of a recognised professional accountancy body.
- Significant senior-level finance experience within a local authority environment.
- Strong knowledge of local government financial management, statutory accounts, budget setting and financial governance.
- Experience operating at Deputy S151, Head of Finance, Finance Manager or similarly senior level.
- The ability to provide credible financial advice to senior officers, leadership teams and elected members.
- Strong understanding of capital finance, medium-term financial planning, business cases and financial risk.
- The confidence to work in a senior management environment and attend meetings in person, including occasional evening Council meetings.
How to apply for the Acting Deputy S151 Finance Manager role:
If you believe that you are well suited to this excellent opportunity of Acting Deputy S151 Finance Manager, please apply directly or contact Tim Farnsworth at Sellick Partnership Derby Office for more information. CVs will be screened and sent over to the client for shortlisting, with successful applicants being contacted to arrange interviews as soon as possible.
Sellick Partnership is proud to be an inclusive and accessible recruitment business and we support applications from candidates of all backgrounds and circumstances. Please note, our advertisements use years' experience, hourly rates, and salary levels purely as a guide and we assess applications based on the experience and skills evidenced on the CV. For information on how your personal details may be used by Sellick Partnership, please review our data processing notice on our website.
Acting Deputy S151 Finance Manager employer: Sellick Partnership
Sellick Partnership is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters growth and innovation within the fast-paced technology sector. With hybrid working options and a competitive salary range of £35,000 - £45,000, employees benefit from 25 days of annual leave, exposure to a diverse portfolio of clients, and the opportunity to shape the compliance function in a rapidly expanding business. Join us to be part of a supportive team that values inclusivity and encourages professional development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Acting Deputy S151 Finance Manager
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We think you need these skills to ace Acting Deputy S151 Finance Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Academic Achievements:In banking and financial services, your academic record can really make you stand out. List relevant grades, certifications, or coursework on your CV, especially if you've taken finance-related modules. This is particularly important for a temporary role where qualifications can help you shine even brighter!
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Tailor Your Cover Letter Purposefully:When writing your cover letter, focus on why you’re interested in a temporary position at Sellick Partnership. Let them know how you can quickly adapt to the team's needs and how eager you are to learn the ropes of the banking sector during this short stint. Your motivation and enthusiasm could really set you apart!
Be Prepared with References:For temporary roles, references can play a crucial role in your application. Make sure you’ve got a couple of references lined up who can vouch for your skills and work ethic. This helps to give Sellick Partnership confidence in your short-term commitment to the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sellick Partnership
✨Brush Up on Financial Regulations
Since this is a role in banking and financial services, be ready to discuss key regulations like MiFID, Basel III, or GDPR. These are hot topics, and your awareness of how they impact daily operations can give you a significant edge during your interview with Sellick Partnership.
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Prepare for interview questions that assess your analytical abilities. You might need to tackle hypothetical scenarios involving risk assessment or financial forecasting. Bringing examples of relevant projects or coursework can emphasise your practical understanding of these concepts.
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For a temporary role, showing that you can quickly pick up new processes and tools is crucial. Be ready to discuss previous experiences where you had to adapt to changing requirements or tight deadlines, as this will reassure Sellick Partnership that you’re a reliable team player.
✨Demonstrate a Willingness to Learn
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