Role: Chief Officer - Finance and Performance
Ref: RQ1793138
Pay Rate: £645.71 per day PAYE (for the right candidate), with flexible holiday pay
IR35: Inside
Hours: 35-37 hours per week
Length of Contract: 6 months with potential for extension
Location: Rugby, Warwickshire CV21 2RR
Hybrid Arrangements: 2-3 days on site
We are seeking an experienced local government finance leader to take on the role of Interim Section 151 Officer for a Midlands-based client. This is a senior leadership appointment requiring strong statutory financial expertise alongside proven people management, political awareness and the ability to provide clear, confident leadership during a challenging period.
You will take responsibility for the financial governance, budgetary management and financial sustainability, providing authoritative advice to Members, the Chief Executive and senior officers. You will also lead, motivate and develop the finance team, ensuring stability, accountability and effective service delivery.
The Ideal Candidate
This appointment requires more than technical financial expertise. The Client is seeking a credible, emotionally intelligent and people-focused leader who can build trust, support and develop the finance team, and provide measured, authoritative advice during a demanding period.
You will bring the confidence to engage effectively with Members, the judgement to navigate complex organisational challenges and the leadership capability to maintain financial integrity while supporting the Client’s wider priorities.
If you are an experienced Section 151 Officer with the strategic expertise and leadership skills to make an immediate impact, we would like to hear from you.
Key Responsibilities
Fulfil the statutory responsibilities of the Client’s Section 151 Officer, ensuring robust financial governance and compliance.
Provide strategic financial advice to elected Members, the Chief Executive and senior leadership team.
Lead budget setting, medium-term financial planning, treasury management and year-end processes.
Oversee financial controls, risk management, assurance arrangements and external audit relationships.
Lead and develop the finance function, setting clear objectives and driving performance and continuous improvement.
Build constructive relationships with Members and senior stakeholders, communicating complex financial matters clearly and confidently.
Support corporate transformation, organisational development and service improvement initiatives.
Promote financial sustainability, accountability and sound decision-making across the Council.
Previous experience acting as a Section 151 Officer within a local authority.
CCAB-qualified accountant, such as CIPFA, ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent.
Significant experience leading and managing a local government finance function.
Strong knowledge of local authority accounting, statutory financial responsibilities and governance.
Experience advising elected Members and senior leaders within a politically sensitive environment.
Proven ability to lead, motivate and develop teams, providing clear direction and effective performance management.
Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to explain complex financial issues to non-financial audiences.
A calm, resilient and approachable leadership style, with the credibility to manage competing priorities and challenging situations.
Job Ref: RQ1793138
Anticipated Length of Assignment:Unless otherwise stated (we do carry the occasional permanent vacancy) all of our roles are technically temporary, though opening assignments can be and often are, extended by clients on a longer term basis and can sometimes become permanent.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Chief Officer - Finance and Performance in Rugby employer: Triumph Consultants Ltd
Triumph Consultants is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of Greenwich. With a strong focus on community engagement and housing development, employees benefit from meaningful projects that directly impact local residents. The company fosters a collaborative culture, providing ample opportunities for professional growth and development while ensuring a supportive atmosphere for all team members.
