Strategic Director of Finance (Section 151 Officer) and Deputy Chief Executive
ISLE OF WIGHT COUNCIL, South East, UK – Permanent – Published on 30 Apr 2026.
We are seeking a visionary Strategic Director of Finance and Deputy Chief Executive to join our corporate leadership team and drive change to ensure we reach our goal of achieving a sustainable footing financially. The role includes the duties of Section 151 Officer, working to ensure best practice in financial planning, monitoring and risk mitigation in the design and delivery of services.
This is a pivotal leadership role at a defining moment for the Isle of Wight. The Strategic Director of Finance & Deputy Chief Executive will shape the Council's future, providing strong financial leadership, working closely with Members and partners, and delivering sustainable outcomes for Island communities. The challenge is significant, but so is the opportunity to make a lasting impact.
This is your opportunity to inspire change, champion financial resilience and build a sustainable future for our Island community. With Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) announcing that the Island will be retained as a separate unitary authority, this is the perfect time to join us to take our local directives forward. Our new Strategic Director of Finance and Deputy Chief Executive will have real scope and authority to implement transformation and change designed to address our financial challenges.
Focus areas
* financial policy, strategy and management
* all duties as the Council's statutory Section 151 Officer
* development and implementation of transformation and improvement plans
* management accounting and financial planning
* strategic procurement
* treasury management
* internal audit and risk assurance
* Local Government Pension Scheme
Required Skills And Experience
* fully qualified CCAB accountant with substantial post qualification experience.
* evidence of continuous professional development.
* sound understanding of the Local Government Act 1972, specifically Section 151, and financial regulations governing local authorities.
* extensive experience of development and delivery of a medium‑term financial strategy for a council with a gross budget exceeding £300m.
* successfully delivery of a balanced budget for multiple consecutive years despite funding reductions.
* able to direct 'whole council transformation' to deliver significant efficiency savings.
Benefits
* Annual leave entitlement of 32 days p/a PLUS public holidays.
* Local Government pension scheme.
* Discounted Solent ferry travel.
* Island bus network discount.
* Cycle to work scheme.
* Staff parking permit scheme.
* Discounted island sports & leisure gym membership.
* National and local discounts & benefits schemes.
* Relocation scheme of up to £8,000 may be available for some roles (subject to criteria).
* Travel allowance may be available if commuting from the mainland (subject to criteria).
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