Director of Finance

Director of Finance

Plymouth Full-Time 43200 - 72000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead financial strategy and ensure sustainable fiscal performance for Plymouth City Council.
  • Company: Plymouth City Council, committed to community-focused governance and innovation.
  • Benefits: Hybrid work setup, competitive rate, and potential for contract extension.
  • Why this job: Shape the financial future of Plymouth and make a real impact in the community.
  • Qualifications: Extensive experience in senior financial management and CCAB qualified.
  • Other info: Opportunity to drive transformation and improve outcomes for residents.

The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.

Job Description

Plymouth City Council are seeking a visionary and strategic finance leader to play a pivotal role in shaping Plymouth’s financial future. As the Council’s key financial advisor, you will ensure sound financial management, effective governance, and the delivery of high-quality services that meet the needs of our communities.

Location: Plymouth City Council 

Set-up: Hybrid – weekly attendance preferred

Rate: DoE via umbrella inside IR35

Duration: Initial 3-6-month sign-off, potential extension

Hours: Full-time position

Responsibilities include:

  • Strategic Financial Leadership: Act as the Council’s principal financial advisor, leading the development and delivery of the Medium Term Financial Strategy and ensuring sustainable fiscal performance
  • Policy and Governance: Oversee all statutory financial reporting, audit, and governance arrangements, ensuring compliance with legislation and effective management of financial risk
  • Performance and Service Delivery: Lead the Finance Department to deliver efficient, customer-focused services, embedding innovation, continuous improvement, and value for money
  • Partnerships and Representation: Build and maintain strong relationships with regional and national partners, advocating for financial resources and investment in Plymouth’s priorities
  • Corporate Leadership: Provide clear, visible leadership across the Council, fostering a culture aligned to the organisation’s values, climate commitments, and long-term vision

Requirements:

  • Proven Leadership: Extensive experience in senior financial management within a complex public-sector or comparable organisation, with responsibility for large-scale budgets
  • Professional Expertise: CCAB or equivalent qualified accountant with deep understanding of local government finance, treasury management, and audit frameworks
  • Strategic Advisor: Demonstrated ability to advise Members, the Chief Executive, and senior leaders on financial strategy, governance, and organisational design
  • Collaborative Influence: Strong track record of partnership working and stakeholder engagement to deliver improved outcomes for residents and communities
  • Innovation and Improvement: Evidence of driving transformation, embedding performance management, and delivering efficient, carbon-aware financial operations

At Venn Group, we endeavour to respond to all applications However due to the volume of applications we receive, if you have not heard from us within 48 hours please assume you have been unsuccessful on this occasion

Director of Finance employer: Venn Group

Plymouth City Council is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where strategic financial leadership can truly make a difference in the community. With a strong commitment to employee growth and development, the Council fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration, ensuring that every team member plays a vital role in shaping Plymouth's financial future. The hybrid working model provides flexibility, while the opportunity to engage with regional and national partners enhances professional networks and career advancement.
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Contact Detail:

Venn Group Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Director of Finance

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who have experience with local government. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching Plymouth City Council’s recent financial strategies and challenges. Show us you’re not just a numbers person but someone who understands the community's needs and can drive change.

✨Tip Number 3

Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation and reiterate your enthusiasm for the role. It keeps you fresh in their minds.

✨Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! We make it easy for you to showcase your skills and experience directly to us. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Plymouth City Council.

We think you need these skills to ace Director of Finance

Strategic Financial Leadership
Financial Management
Governance and Compliance
Statutory Financial Reporting
Audit Management
Risk Management
Performance Management
Customer-Focused Service Delivery
Partnership Building
Stakeholder Engagement
Local Government Finance
Treasury Management
CCAB Qualified Accountant
Innovation and Transformation
Organisational Design

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in strategic financial leadership. We want to see how your skills align with the role of a visionary finance leader at Plymouth City Council.

Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific examples of how you’ve driven transformation and improved financial operations in previous roles. We love seeing quantifiable results that demonstrate your impact!

Keep It Professional Yet Engaging: While we appreciate a friendly tone, ensure your application maintains professionalism. Use clear language and structure to make it easy for us to see your qualifications and passion for the role.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. This helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super easy!

How to prepare for a job interview at Venn Group

✨Know Your Numbers

As a Director of Finance, you’ll need to demonstrate your expertise in financial management. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed large-scale budgets in the past. This will show that you’re not just a numbers person, but a strategic thinker.

✨Understand the Council's Vision

Familiarise yourself with Plymouth City Council’s goals and priorities. Be prepared to articulate how your financial strategies can align with their vision for the community. This shows that you’re not only interested in the role but also invested in the council's mission.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Style

Leadership is crucial for this role. Think about examples from your past where you’ve led teams through challenges or implemented innovative solutions. Be ready to discuss your approach to fostering a collaborative culture and how you can inspire others within the council.

✨Prepare for Scenario Questions

Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and decision-making abilities. Prepare scenarios related to financial governance and risk management, and think through how you would handle them. This will help you demonstrate your strategic advisory capabilities effectively.

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