We’re working with a large, high-profile unitary authority at a defining point in its journey. Serving around 290,000 residents and employing approximately 2,600 staff, this is a complex, visible organisation with real scale, real challenge and real opportunity. The finance function sits at the centre of that story — and we’re looking for a Chief Finance Officer / Deputy Section 151 Officer who wants to make a meaningful mark.
This is not a maintenance role. It is a chance to step into a broad and influential leadership post with responsibility for a significant finance operation of around 140 staff, spanning corporate finance, treasury, capital, management accounting, exchequer, debt collection, council tax, business rates and wider financial welfare services.
For the right person, this is the sort of role that does not come along often.
You will join an organisation that is candid about its challenges, serious about improvement, and ambitious about what comes next. There is a clear focus on strengthening financial resilience, improving cashflow forecasting, enhancing debt management and building long-term sustainability. Alongside that, wider structural change across local government creates a rare chance to help shape future direction, influence big decisions and be part of something genuinely significant.
We’re looking for a CCAB-qualified finance leader with the credibility, judgement and presence to operate in a large and demanding environment. You’ll need strong expertise across corporate finance, treasury management, borrowing, cashflow forecasting and financial planning, combined with the ability to communicate clearly and persuasively with senior leaders, members and non-finance stakeholders. This is a role for someone who can combine technical strength with calm, visible leadership.
What makes this role especially attractive is the scope. You’ll be inheriting a broad brief, a committed team and a genuine platform to influence. It could suit an established senior finance leader looking for one more major challenge, or an ambitious deputy ready to step into a bigger arena and prove themselves. The hiring team is open-minded on background and will consider candidates from local government and other relevant public-sector settings, provided the core finance leadership capability is there.
You’ll also be joining a leadership environment described as supportive, approachable and down to earth, with a strong sense of team culture and purpose. Hybrid working is in place, with flexibility around office attendance, although there will be regular in-person requirements for key meetings, visibility and member engagement. A relocation package is also available where appropriate.
Why this role stands out
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Lead a major, multi-disciplinary finance function in a large and complex organisation
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Play a key role in strengthening financial sustainability and shaping future direction
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Broad remit across treasury, capital, exchequer, debt, collection fund and welfare services
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Visible leadership role with real influence and challenge
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Hybrid working and some flexibility for the right candidate
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Salary package of around £92k, with potential flexibility up to approximately £98k for an outstanding appointment
What we’re looking for
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CCAB qualified
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Significant senior finance leadership experience
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Strong track record in corporate finance, treasury, borrowing, cashflow and debt
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Ability to lead through complexity, challenge and change
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Excellent communication skills with the ability to translate complex finance into clear narrative
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Public sector experience helpful, but strong transferable experience will also be considered
This is a demanding role, but for the right person it offers something far more valuable than comfort: scope, visibility, challenge and the opportunity to make a lasting impact.
If you’re interested in a confidential conversation, get in touch