Service Director for Finance
New Yesterday
Summary:
This role is pivotal in ensuring the statutory financial responsibilities of the Council and Executive are effectively managed. It provides strategic financial advice to the Chief Executive, elected Members, and the Senior Leadership Team, focusing on financial management and policy to maximize financial benefits. The position involves shaping the Council’s financial agenda, promoting resource efficiency, and fostering collaboration within the federation of Customer and Corporate Services and the Executive Office. The role also includes embedding climate change actions within the Finance department to support the Council’s carbon neutrality goals by 2030.
Responsibilities:
- Serve as the Council’s Section 151 Officer, ensuring statutory financial duties are met.
- Act as a key financial advisor, implementing agreed financial policies.
- Provide expert advice on financial strategies to Directors, Chief Executive, and Members.
- Ensure departmental policies align with organizational aims and meet community needs.
- Lead and communicate the Council’s financial vision and values internally and externally.
- Manage departmental resources effectively to achieve Council priorities.
- Promote a culture of innovation and customer-focused service delivery.
- Engage with local communities to enhance Council understanding and service delivery.
- Develop partnerships to deliver improved outcomes for the city.
- Advocate for financial resources at regional and national levels.
- Ensure compliance with statutory, regulatory, and audit requirements.
Requirements
- Qualified accountant with substantial experience in local authority accounting, including CIPFA codes, IFRS, and the Companies Act 2006.
- Experience in a unitary authority as a S151.
- Proven strategic leadership experience in a large, complex organization.
- Ability to translate complex strategies into operational plans.
- Experience in managing complex policy issues and driving organizational change.
- Strong commercial and transformational acumen.
- Extensive experience working with elected members and supporting democratic processes.
- Broad knowledge of public sector service delivery and commissioning.
- Experience in leading large workforces and promoting a positive organizational culture.
- Commitment to diversity, health and safety, and safeguarding practices.
Requirements
CCAB/CIMA qualified accountant. Public sector finance leadership experience. Knowledge of statutory financial frameworks. Experience with emergency services finance. Strong stakeholder and communication skills. Ability to lead in complex organisations. Desirable: CIPFA qualification. Experience in Combined Authority governance. Familiarity with regional funding mechanisms. Understanding of Police and Fire funding formulae. Experience in M&A or commercial investment planning.
- Location:
- Plymouth
- Job Type:
- FullTime