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- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and compliance for Ipswich, making a real impact on the community.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking organisation dedicated to revitalising Ipswich.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holiday, flexible working, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of Ipswich while advancing your finance career.
- Qualifications: CIPFA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent with strong leadership skills.
- Other info: Dynamic role with potential for career advancement as Deputy Section 151 Officer.
The predicted salary is between 58000 - 76000 £ per year.
Location: Grafton House, 15-17 Russell Road, Ipswich, Suffolk IP1 2DE
Salary: Up to £67,853 per annum
Hours: 37 hours per week
Contract: Permanent
Reference: 0576
Join us in shaping Ipswich’s future. We are passionate about making a real difference for our residents, our communities, and our local economy. As a forward-thinking organisation, we provide a strong voice for Ipswich while delivering the essential services people rely on every day. Our Corporate Strategy, Proud of Ipswich, sets out our ambition to champion our community and revitalise our town, and we’re determined to make that vision a reality.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide strategic leadership on statutory accounting, treasury management, taxation, and financial compliance.
- Act as a principal financial advisor to the Council, Executive, Committees, and senior managers.
- Lead the closure of accounts, production of the Statement of Accounts, and liaison with External Audit.
- Line-manage the Finance Manager and provide strategic direction to the Technical, Treasury, Insurance, Income and Payments team.
- Identify and lead opportunities for innovation, compliance improvements, and risk mitigation.
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of relevant legislation and standards.
About You
- Qualification: CIPFA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent.
- Strong leadership and people-management skills.
- Track record of delivering high-quality financial services in a complex organisation.
- Excellent communication and influencing skills.
- Proactive, collaborative approach to problem-solving and innovation.
- Highly organised, agile, and able to adapt quickly in a changing environment.
- Experience in local government or a similar public-sector environment is highly desirable.
Why Join Us?
As well as a competitive salary, we offer a career-average pension scheme, generous holiday and sick pay entitlements, relocation assistance, subsidised parking for work and leisure, public transport discounts, free swimming and gym membership, cycle purchase scheme, plenty of personal and professional development opportunities, flexible working, hybrid working options, an employee assistance programme and the opportunity to work with great colleagues.
For the right candidate, the role may include designation as the Council’s Deputy Section 151 Officer. Where this applies, an additional allowance of £5,000 will be provided to reflect these statutory responsibilities.
How To Apply
Applications must be made by sending a current CV, Supporting Statement of no more than 2 A4 pages and a Monitoring Form by the deadline. Please quote REQ01108 on your email. Early applications are encouraged as we reserve the right to interview candidates who meet the essential criteria prior to the closing date and/or to close the opportunity to applicants once we receive sufficient applications.
Closing date: 8 February 2026. Interview date: 18 February 2026 (in person).
Contact
For a confidential discussion, contact Tamsin Malone, Assistant Director of Finance.
Email: Mobile: 07880
Please download the Job Description and Person Specification to find out more about this role.
Head of Finance – Technical in Ipswich employer: Suffolk Jobs Direct
Contact Detail:
Suffolk Jobs Direct Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance – Technical in Ipswich
✨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 the role and even potential referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching Ipswich’s financial landscape. Understand their current challenges and think about how your skills can help tackle them. This shows you’re not just interested in the job, but also in making a real impact.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! As a Head of Finance, you'll need to influence and lead effectively. Try mock interviews with friends or use online platforms to refine your pitch and responses.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to Ipswich’s future.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance – Technical in Ipswich
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Finance role. Highlight your relevant experience in statutory accounting and financial compliance, as well as any leadership roles you've held. We want to see how your background aligns with our mission at Ipswich!
Craft a Compelling Supporting Statement: Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Be specific about your achievements in financial services and how you can contribute to our vision of revitalising Ipswich.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since excellent communication is key for this position, make sure your application reflects that. Use clear and concise language, and don’t shy away from demonstrating your influencing skills through examples in your CV and supporting statement.
Apply Early!: Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application. We encourage early applications as we may start interviewing candidates who meet the essential criteria before the closing date. Get your application in through our website and stand out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Suffolk Jobs Direct
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Head of Finance, you'll need to demonstrate your expertise in statutory accounting and financial compliance. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed finances in previous roles. This will show that you can provide strategic leadership right from the get-go.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led teams and influenced decision-making in complex organisations. Think about specific situations where your leadership made a difference, especially in local government or public-sector environments. This will highlight your ability to manage the Finance Manager and guide your team effectively.
✨Stay Current with Legislation
Make sure you're up-to-date with relevant legislation and standards in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent changes and how they impact financial management. This shows that you're proactive and can adapt quickly to changes, which is crucial for this role.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street, so think of insightful questions to ask about the Council's financial strategies and future plans. This not only demonstrates your interest in the role but also your strategic thinking and collaborative approach to problem-solving.
