Are you seeking your next interim position within the local goverment sector? We have a rewarding position available for an Interim Head of Finance within Stoke on Trent.
We are seeking an experienced and proactive Interim Head of Finance to provide strategic financial leadership within a forward-thinking local authority. Reporting directly to the Section 151 Officer, you will play a key role in ensuring strong financial governance, budget management, and statutory compliance across the council.
Location: It is vital you can attend the office 2 days a week, or agree block attendances across the month.
This is a high-profile leadership position requiring a commercially minded finance professional with significant local government experience and the ability to operate effectively in a complex political environment.
Key Responsibilities
* Support the Section 151 Officer in delivering the council’s financial strategy and statutory responsibilities
* Lead on budget setting, medium-term financial planning, and year-end accounts
* Provide strategic financial advice to senior leadership teams, elected members, and service directors
* Oversee treasury management, capital programmes, and financial reporting
* Drive financial improvement, transformation, and efficiency initiatives
* Ensure robust financial controls, governance, and compliance with CIPFA and local government regulations
* Manage and develop finance teams to deliver high-quality services
* Lead on external audit liaison and regulatory returns
About You
We are looking for a qualified finance professional (CIPFA, ACCA, ACA or equivalent) with:
* Significant senior finance leadership experience within local government
* Strong understanding of local authority finance, governance, and statutory requirements
* Experience supporting or deputising for a Section 151 Officer
* Proven ability to lead teams through change and financial challenge
* Excellent stakeholder management and political awareness
* Strong analytical, communication, and leadership skills