Head of Corporate Finance

Salary
:
Up to £85,000.00 per annum (may be some flexibility for exceptional candidates)

Responsible to: Chief Finance Officer/ Section 151 Officer

Line Management Responsibility for: Deputy Chief Accountant, Capital & Treasury Manager, Systems Accountant and Assistant Finance Officer

Purpose of job: To provide strategic leadership and management of the Council’s Corporate Finance function, including undertaking the role of Chief Accountant, leading on financial planning, capital and revenue budgeting, treasury management, financial reporting and all Statutory Returns. As Deputy Section 151 Officer, the postholder will support the statutory responsibilities of the Chief Finance Officer (S151) and deputise for the S151 in their absence, ensuring the Council maintains high standards of financial governance, resilience, and accountability.

The role takes on the role of Chief Accountant and leads the Treasury & Capital functions, supports the S151 in financial planning and Budget Strategy, working collaboratively across the organisation to deliver robust financial management, and transparent and effective stewardship of public funds.

This post will take the lead of the Corporate Finance function and undertake the preparation of the Council’s Statutory Annual Accounts and the day-to-day relationship with the External Auditors, supporting the S151 in financial planning, budget setting and medium-term financial strategy. This will include working with other officers across the Council including the Senior Leadership Board (SLB), Heads of Service and Members to prepare and deliver a balanced budget.

The role will also attend meetings with and brief the Portfolio Holder, and will attend Governance & Audit Committee with or on behalf of the S151 and Cabinet, as required.

• Lead the delivery of the Council’s Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS), ensuring alignment with corporate priorities, service plans, and resource constraints.
• Act as a key advisor to the Chief Finance Officer (S151), Senior Leadership Board (SLB) and Members on financial strategy, sustainability, and policy development.
• Deputise for the Section 151 Officer in all statutory, strategic, and corporate finance matters.

Person Specification

What we expect you to have:

• Full membership by examination of a CCAB recognised body (eg CIPFA, ACCA, CIMA)

What we hope that you have:

• Have experience in a similar role in another Local Authority