Location: (Hybrid working - min. one day a week onsite in Ipswich)
Details: A forward-thinking public sector organisation is seeking an accomplished Head of Finance to provide strategic financial leadership across its Technical and Financial Planning functions. Reporting to the Assistant Director of Finance and working closely with the Director of Resources, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring robust, compliant, and forward-looking financial operations that support organisational priorities and long-term sustainability.
The Role
You will lead an experienced team across Financial Planning and Technical Finance, driving excellence in statutory and corporate financial management. Key responsibilities include:
* Providing strategic leadership across statutory accounting, treasury management, taxation, and financial compliance.
* Acting as a principal financial advisor to the Executive, Committees, and senior leadership team.
* Leading the annual closure of accounts process and overseeing the production of the Statement of Accounts, including liaison with External Audit.
* Line managing the Finance Manager and providing clear strategic direction across Technical Finance, Treasury, Insurance, Income and Payments team.
* Identifying and lead opportunities for innovation, strengthened compliance, improved controls, and risk mitigation.
* Ensuring adherence to evolving legislation, accounting standards, and best practice guidance.
About You
You will be a qualified finance professional (CIPFA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) with significant post-qualification experience in a complex organisation.
We are looking for someone who brings:
* Strong, visible leadership and proven people management capability.
* A track record of delivering high-quality financial services and statutory reporting.
* Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence senior stakeholders and elected members.
* A proactive, solutions-focused approach with the confidence to drive change and innovation.
* High levels of organisation, resilience, and agility in a dynamic environment.
* Experience within local government or a comparable public sector setting (highly desirable).
This is a key leadership opportunity for a technically strong finance professional who thrives on accountability, strategic influence, and continuous improvement.
For a confidential discussion and further information, please get in touch