Director of Finance

Cardiff Hybrid (2-3 days onsite) Inside IR35

Ribble Recruitment is supporting a regional public sector organisation in the recruitment of an experienced Strategic Director of Finance (Section 151 Officer) on an interim basis. This is a critical statutory role, providing financial leadership at executive level during a period of transition and ongoing strategic delivery.

• Contract: Interim / Temporary
• Duration: 24 weeks
• Start date: 2 February 2026
• Hours: 37 hours per week
• IR35: Inside IR35
• Location Cardiff (hybrid working, 2-3 days per week onsite)
• Rates:
• PAYE: £55.00 per hour
• Umbrella / Ltd: £72.86 per hour

As the organisation's designated Section 151 Officer, you will act as the Responsible Financial Officer, ensuring the proper administration of financial affairs in accordance with the Local Government Act 1972.

You will provide strategic financial leadership across the organisation, supporting major investment, commercial activity, regional growth programmes, and long-term financial sustainability. The role operates at executive and board level and carries significant responsibility for governance, assurance, and stewardship of public funds.

• Fulfil the statutory duties of Section 151 Officer / Responsible Financial Officer
• Lead development and delivery of the With
• Provide strategic financial advice to the Chief Executive, Board, and senior stakeholders
• Oversee assurance, audit, risk, governance, and compliance frameworks
• Lead financial planning, budget setting, reporting, and year-end processes
• Act as lead officer for engagement with external auditors
• Support large-scale investment, commercial and infrastructure programmes
• Drive collaboration with finance leaders across partner authorities
• Ensure value for money across commissioning, procurement, and outsourced services
• Promote strong governance, transparency, and public accountability

• Degree-level qualification (or equivalent) with evidence of ongoing professional development
• Chartered accountant qualification (e.g. CIPFA, ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)
• Significant experience operating at executive / board level
• Proven experience shaping and delivering complex financial strategies
• Strong understanding of governance, risk, assurance, and public sector finance
• Demonstrable experience working within politically sensitive environments
• Previous experience as a Section 151 Officer or Deputy Section 151 Officer

• Experience with in local government or regional public sector bodies
• Experience operating in I have
• Knowledge of sustainable development, ESG principles, and commercial investment structures
• Welsh language skills or a commitment to learn

• Date: From 30 January 2026
• Format: On-site, two-stage interview process with the executive team

Ribble Recruitment is assisting the hiring organisation with candidate sourcing, screening, and the initial stages of the recruitment process.

Lewis Ashcroft