At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial stewardship and shape organisational operations at Westminster City Council.
- Company: Westminster City Council, a dynamic and influential local government.
- Benefits: Opportunity to make a real impact and work with experienced colleagues.
- Other info: A role that offers visibility, challenge, and the chance to support better outcomes.
- Why this job: Join a council with strong foundations and clear ambition for community improvement.
- Qualifications: Senior-level experience in complex organisations and strong financial leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 117800 € per year.
We are looking for an Executive Director of Finance and Resources to join Westminster City Council’s Executive Leadership Team, reporting to the Chief Executive. This is a broad and influential role at the centre of how the council operates. You will provide financial stewardship and lead wider services at a time of change, ensuring that strong financial management supports the council’s priorities and day-to-day delivery.
As the Section 151 Officer, you will be responsible for financial governance and oversight, but the role goes well beyond this. You will help shape how the organisation works, making sure finance is closely connected to services and that decisions are informed, practical and deliverable. You will work closely with Members and senior colleagues, offering clear advice and helping to turn ambition into action. A key part of the role is building confidence across the organisation, strengthening capability and ensuring that finance adds real value.
You will bring experience of operating at a senior level within a complex organisation. That could be in local government, or in a similarly visible and demanding environment. You are a strong financial leader, but just as importantly you understand how organisations run. You are able to balance the bigger picture with delivery, and you are comfortable working across a broad brief. You build trust quickly and communicate clearly. You are pragmatic, calm under pressure and able to keep things moving, even when the environment is busy and sometimes unpredictable.
Westminster is unlike anywhere else. It sits at the centre of public life, with a level of visibility and complexity that brings both challenge and opportunity. You will be joining a council with strong foundations and clear ambition, working alongside experienced colleagues who are committed to improving how the organisation works and what it delivers. This is a role where you can have a real impact, shaping how resources are used and supporting better outcomes for the people, communities and businesses of Westminster.
For more information, please visit www.join-westminster.co.uk or contact Greg Hayes (07423 243415), Ella Milward Hamylton (07398 478 852), or Tom McElroy Williams (07535 316017).
Closing Date: Midnight on Sunday 14th June
Executive Director Finance and Resources employer: Westminster City Council
Westminster City Council is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to work at the heart of public life in one of the most dynamic locations in the UK. With a strong commitment to employee development and a collaborative work culture, you will be part of a team that values innovation and strives for excellence in service delivery. This role not only allows you to influence financial governance but also empowers you to make a tangible difference in the lives of Westminster's diverse communities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Director Finance and Resources
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in local government or finance sectors. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the council's current projects and challenges. We want you to show that you’re not just a financial whiz, but also someone who understands the bigger picture. Tailor your answers to demonstrate how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! As an Executive Director, you’ll need to convey complex financial information clearly. We suggest doing mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your ability to explain your ideas simply and effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search. So, get your application in and let’s make things happen!
We think you need these skills to ace Executive Director Finance and Resources
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Executive Director of Finance and Resources role. Highlight your relevant experience in financial leadership and how it aligns with the council's priorities.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:We want to see how you’ve successfully led teams or projects in complex environments. Use examples that demonstrate your ability to build trust, communicate clearly, and deliver results under pressure.
Be Pragmatic and Practical:In your application, emphasise your pragmatic approach to problem-solving. We’re looking for someone who can balance strategic thinking with practical delivery, so share instances where you've turned ambition into action.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive your details directly and can consider you for this impactful role at Westminster.
How to prepare for a job interview at Westminster City Council
✨Know Your Numbers
As an Executive Director of Finance and Resources, you’ll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics relevant to local government and be prepared to discuss how you've used data to drive decisions in previous roles.
✨Understand the Bigger Picture
This role isn’t just about finance; it’s about how finance integrates with services. Familiarise yourself with Westminster City Council’s priorities and think about how your financial strategies can support these goals. Be ready to share examples of how you’ve aligned financial management with organisational objectives.
✨Build Trust Through Communication
You’ll need to communicate clearly with Members and senior colleagues. Practice articulating complex financial concepts in simple terms. Think of scenarios where you’ve successfully built relationships through effective communication and be ready to share those stories.
✨Stay Calm Under Pressure
Given the unpredictable nature of local government, it’s crucial to show that you can maintain composure. Prepare examples of past experiences where you’ve navigated challenging situations while keeping your team focused and motivated. This will highlight your leadership style and resilience.
