Chief Officer, Corporate Finance (Section 95 Officer) The Highland Council is one of Scotland’s largest and most unique local authorities, serving communities across 26,484 square kilometres and delivering services to a population of over 238,000 people. The Council is at the heart of a region experiencing significant economic transformation, driven by major investment in renewable energy, housing, infrastructure and community development.
With a revenue budget of £868 million and an ambitious long-term investment programme exceeding £2 billion, The Highland Council is focused on delivering sustainable growth, financial resilience and improved outcomes for communities across the Highlands. Through its Corporate Plan, Delivery Plan and Our Future Highland programme, the Council is leading an ambitious agenda of transformation and improvement.
About the role This is a career-defining opportunity to join The Highland Council as Chief Officer, Corporate Finance and fulfil the statutory role of Section 95 Officer.
As a key member of the Council’s Corporate Management Team, you will provide strategic leadership across the Council’s financial affairs, ensuring robust financial planning, governance and stewardship of public resources. You will lead the Corporate Finance and Accounting function, oversee pensions responsibilities and work closely with procurement and commercial colleagues to support the delivery of the Council’s strategic priorities.
Supporting the Chief Executive, Assistant Chief Executives and elected members, you will play a pivotal role in shaping financial strategy, driving transformation and ensuring the Council remains financially sustainable in a challenging and rapidly evolving landscape.
Key responsibilities
Provide strategic leadership for all aspects of the Council’s financial management and governance.
Fulfil the statutory responsibilities of Section 95 Officer.
Lead the Corporate Finance and Accounting function, including annual accounts, budgeting, treasury management, taxation, pensions and financial compliance.
Support the delivery of the Council’s Medium Term Financial Plan, Highland Investment Plan and wider transformation agenda.
Provide high-quality strategic advice to the Chief Executive, Corporate Management Team and elected members.
Drive continuous improvement, innovation and best value across the organisation.
Lead, develop and inspire a high-performing finance team while fostering a collaborative One Council culture.
Build strong relationships with partners, stakeholders, regulators and government bodies.
Candidate requirements We are seeking an exceptional finance leader with the credibility, strategic insight and leadership capability to operate effectively at executive level within a complex public sector environment.
You will bring:
Significant senior leadership experience within a large, complex organisation.
A track record of improving organisational performance, delivering change and leading transformation.
Experience of strategic budget management and financial planning at scale.
Strong political awareness and experience of working effectively with elected members, boards or equivalent governance structures.
Exceptional stakeholder management and partnership-building skills.
Experience of leading and developing high-performing teams.
Excellent communication, influencing and negotiation skills.
Degree-level education and a professional accounting qualification from a CCAB-recognised body or equivalent.
Salary: £117,634 per annum
Location: Council Headquarters, Inverness (hybrid working with a minimum of three days per week on-site)
Contract: Permanent
Relocation: Up to £6,500 relocation assistance available
Annual Leave: Up to 26 days plus public holidays
Diversity & Inclusion The Highland Council is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from candidates of all backgrounds. As a Disability Confident Leader, we guarantee an interview to applicants with a disability who meet the essential criteria. We also offer a guaranteed interview to applicants who have served in the Armed Forces (Regular or Reservist), or are a spouse, partner or dependent of serving personnel, provided they meet the essential criteria.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
With a revenue budget of £868 million and an ambitious long-term investment programme exceeding £2 billion, The Highland Council is focused on delivering sustainable growth, financial resilience and improved outcomes for communities across the Highlands. Through its Corporate Plan, Delivery Plan and Our Future Highland programme, the Council is leading an ambitious agenda of transformation and improvement.
About the role This is a career-defining opportunity to join The Highland Council as Chief Officer, Corporate Finance and fulfil the statutory role of Section 95 Officer.
As a key member of the Council’s Corporate Management Team, you will provide strategic leadership across the Council’s financial affairs, ensuring robust financial planning, governance and stewardship of public resources. You will lead the Corporate Finance and Accounting function, oversee pensions responsibilities and work closely with procurement and commercial colleagues to support the delivery of the Council’s strategic priorities.
Supporting the Chief Executive, Assistant Chief Executives and elected members, you will play a pivotal role in shaping financial strategy, driving transformation and ensuring the Council remains financially sustainable in a challenging and rapidly evolving landscape.
Key responsibilities
Provide strategic leadership for all aspects of the Council’s financial management and governance.
Fulfil the statutory responsibilities of Section 95 Officer.
Lead the Corporate Finance and Accounting function, including annual accounts, budgeting, treasury management, taxation, pensions and financial compliance.
Support the delivery of the Council’s Medium Term Financial Plan, Highland Investment Plan and wider transformation agenda.
Provide high-quality strategic advice to the Chief Executive, Corporate Management Team and elected members.
Drive continuous improvement, innovation and best value across the organisation.
Lead, develop and inspire a high-performing finance team while fostering a collaborative One Council culture.
Build strong relationships with partners, stakeholders, regulators and government bodies.
Candidate requirements We are seeking an exceptional finance leader with the credibility, strategic insight and leadership capability to operate effectively at executive level within a complex public sector environment.
You will bring:
Significant senior leadership experience within a large, complex organisation.
A track record of improving organisational performance, delivering change and leading transformation.
Experience of strategic budget management and financial planning at scale.
Strong political awareness and experience of working effectively with elected members, boards or equivalent governance structures.
Exceptional stakeholder management and partnership-building skills.
Experience of leading and developing high-performing teams.
Excellent communication, influencing and negotiation skills.
Degree-level education and a professional accounting qualification from a CCAB-recognised body or equivalent.
Salary: £117,634 per annum
Location: Council Headquarters, Inverness (hybrid working with a minimum of three days per week on-site)
Contract: Permanent
Relocation: Up to £6,500 relocation assistance available
Annual Leave: Up to 26 days plus public holidays
Diversity & Inclusion The Highland Council is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from candidates of all backgrounds. As a Disability Confident Leader, we guarantee an interview to applicants with a disability who meet the essential criteria. We also offer a guaranteed interview to applicants who have served in the Armed Forces (Regular or Reservist), or are a spouse, partner or dependent of serving personnel, provided they meet the essential criteria.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Chief Officer, Corporate Finance (Section 95 Officer) employer: UK Agri-Tech Centre
The Highland Council is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead financial strategy in one of Scotland's largest local authorities. With a strong commitment to employee growth, a collaborative work culture, and a focus on sustainable community development, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the Highlands while enjoying benefits such as relocation assistance and generous annual leave. Join us in making a meaningful impact in a region undergoing significant economic transformation.
