At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial management and drive organisational change in a local authority.
- Company: Join a local authority at a pivotal transformation stage.
- Benefits: Competitive rate, hybrid working, and the chance to shape financial strategy.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on community finances and service delivery.
- Qualifications: CCAB/CIMA qualified with senior leadership experience in finance.
- Other info: Opportunity to work with diverse teams and enhance your leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 Β£ per year.
I'm currently seeking an Associate Director - Financial Management, Revenues, Benefits & Debt Management to join a local authority at a critical point in its transformation journey. This is a senior leadership role with statutory responsibilities as Deputy Section 151 Officer, playing a key role in financial stewardship, income optimisation, service modernisation, and organisational change.
Start: TBC
Duration: 3 Months+
Rate: Negotiable (inside IR35)
Location: Hybrid
Responsibilities:
- Act as Deputy Section 151 Officer, ensuring proper administration of the Council's financial affairs in line with legal and professional standards
- Provide strategic leadership for Financial Management, Revenues, Benefits, and Debt Management service
- Lead the delivery of robust financial planning, budgetary control, and sustainable financial resilience
- Drive effective income collection across the General Fund, improving collection rates and reducing bad debt
- Deliver high-quality financial advice and business partnering support to senior leaders and service managers
- Design and implement a modern financial operating model aligned to the Council's transformation programme, maximising technology and automation
- Champion value for money, transparency, and strong governance across all financial and income-related functions
- Lead and motivate large, multi-disciplinary teams, embedding a high-performance, inclusive, and customer-focused culture
- Support the Council Improvement Programme and implementation of the new operating model
- Build strong relationships with Members, senior leaders, auditors, partners, and external stakeholders
Requirements:
- CCAB and/or CIMA qualified with evidence of ongoing CPD
- Significant senior leadership experience within a local authority or large, complex organisation
- Strong knowledge of local authority finance, statutory reporting, revenues, benefits, and debt management
- Demonstrable experience of strong governance, probity, and adherence to the Nolan Principles
If interested, please apply with your most up to date CV and a member of the team or I will be in contact if suitable.
Associate Director - Finance employer: Venn Group
Contact Detail:
Venn Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Associate Director - Finance
β¨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who have experience in local authorities. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
β¨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the council's current financial challenges and transformation goals. This shows you're not just interested in the role but also invested in their success.
β¨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your skills in financial management and leadership can directly contribute to their objectives. Confidence is key, so rehearse until it feels natural.
β¨Tip Number 4
Donβt forget to apply through our website! Itβs the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director - Finance
Some tips for your application π«‘
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Associate Director - Finance. Highlight your experience in financial management, governance, and leadership within local authorities or similar organisations. We want to see how your skills align with the job description!
Showcase Your Achievements: Donβt just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use specific examples that demonstrate your impact on financial planning, income optimisation, and service modernisation. This will help us see the value you can bring to our team.
Keep It Professional Yet Personal: While we appreciate professionalism, donβt be afraid to let your personality shine through. A touch of authenticity can make your application stand out. Share your passion for finance and how it drives you in your career!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures youβre considered for the role. Plus, itβs super easy β just upload your CV and let us do the rest!
How to prepare for a job interview at Venn Group
β¨Know Your Numbers
As an Associate Director in Finance, youβll need to demonstrate a solid grasp of financial management principles. Brush up on key metrics related to revenues, benefits, and debt management. Be ready to discuss how you've optimised income collection or improved financial resilience in previous roles.
β¨Showcase Leadership Skills
This role requires strong leadership capabilities. Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading multi-disciplinary teams and driving organisational change. Think about specific challenges you've faced and how you motivated your team to achieve high performance.
β¨Understand the Transformation Journey
Familiarise yourself with the local authority's current transformation initiatives. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to their goals, particularly in designing a modern financial operating model. Show that youβre not just a numbers person but also a strategic thinker who can align finance with broader organisational objectives.
β¨Build Relationships
Strong relationships are key in this role. Think about how youβve successfully collaborated with senior leaders, auditors, and external stakeholders in the past. Be ready to share strategies for building trust and ensuring transparency in financial dealings, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.