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- Tasks: Lead the council's finance function and ensure strong governance and value for money.
- Company: Local authority on the beautiful Isle of Wight, committed to community service.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership role, and opportunity to make a real impact.
- Other info: Temporary role with potential for significant career advancement.
- Why this job: Shape financial strategy and drive transformation in a dynamic local government environment.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified CCAB accountant with extensive experience in local government finance.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Location: Isle of Wight
Contract: Temporary (4 months)
Start Date: ASAP
Service Care Solutions are recruiting on behalf of a local authority in the Isle of Wight for an interim Strategic Director of Finance and Deputy Chief Executive (s151 Officer) to join the team on a temporary basis. The postholder will provide strategic leadership of the council’s finance function, ensuring strong governance, resilience, and value for money. As Section 151 officer, oversee the lawful administration of financial affairs, including pensions. Deputise for the Chief Executive when required, taking on full leadership responsibilities. Contribute to corporate leadership by working with Members and partners, promoting the island, and driving a high-performing, engaged workforce committed to excellent service.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead on financial policy, strategy, management, and Local Government Pension Scheme
- Carry out all duties as the statutory Section 151 Officer
- Implement transformation and improvement plans
- Management accounting and financial planning
- Strategic procurement
- Treasury management
- Internal audit and risk assurance
Candidate Criteria
- Fully qualified CCAB accountant with substantial post qualification experience.
- Sound understanding of the Local Government Act 1972, specifically Section 151, and financial regulations governing local authorities
- Extensive experience of development and delivery of a medium-term financial strategy with a gross budget exceeding £300m
- Successful delivery of balanced budgets despite funding reductions.
- Able to support 'whole council transformation' to deliver significant efficiency savings.
- Someone who can think commercially, innovatively and creatively about how funding is best deployed to support growth.
Strategic Director of Finance and Deputy Chief Executive (s151 Officer) in England employer: Service Care Solutions
Contact Detail:
Service Care Solutions Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Director of Finance and Deputy Chief Executive (s151 Officer) in England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in local government or finance sectors. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about the role and even a recommendation.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of the Local Government Act 1972 and financial regulations. We want you to show off your expertise and confidence when discussing how you can lead the council’s finance function.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just focus on your qualifications; highlight your experience with transformation and improvement plans. We need to see how you’ve successfully navigated challenges and delivered balanced budgets in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Director of Finance and Deputy Chief Executive (s151 Officer) in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Strategic Director of Finance. Highlight your experience with financial policy, strategy, and management, especially in local government settings. We want to see how your skills align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your achievements in financial governance and leadership. Remember, we’re looking for someone who can drive transformation and improvement, so make that clear!
Showcase Relevant Experience: When detailing your experience, focus on your work with budgets over £300m and your success in delivering balanced budgets. We want to know how you've navigated funding reductions and implemented efficiency savings in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it makes the whole process smoother for everyone involved.
How to prepare for a job interview at Service Care Solutions
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Strategic Director of Finance, you’ll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've managed budgets over £300m in the past. Show them you can handle the numbers with confidence!
✨Understand Local Government Regulations
Familiarise yourself with the Local Government Act 1972 and Section 151 responsibilities. Be prepared to discuss how these regulations impact financial governance and how you've navigated them in previous roles. This will show your depth of knowledge and commitment to compliance.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role involves significant leadership responsibilities. Think of examples where you've led teams through transformation or improvement plans. Highlight your ability to engage and motivate a workforce, as well as your experience in working with council members and partners.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills, especially regarding budget management during funding cuts. Prepare scenarios where you've successfully delivered balanced budgets or implemented efficiency savings. This will demonstrate your strategic thinking and innovative approach.