Deputy Chief Finance Officer

Deputy CFO & Deputy S151 Officer
Location: Dorset
Contract: Temporary (6 months initial)
Rate: £750.00 – £900.00 per day umbrella // £659.61 - £791.42 per day PAYE inclusive //  £588.57 – £706.18 per day PAYE exclusive
Start Date: ASAP
Contact: greg.waite@servicecare.org.uk
Job Description
Service Care Solutions are recruiting for a Deputy CFO on behalf of a Local Authority in Dorset to join the team on a temporary basis. Reporting directly to the Section 151 Officer, you will lead the Council’s budget-setting process and play a pivotal role in ensuring financial resilience, stability, and compliance during a critical period. This is a senior leadership opportunity at the heart of local government finance, providing strategic direction while deputising for the CFO.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Section 151 Officer in delivering robust financial management and statutory duties under the Local Government Act 1972.
• Provide strategic financial advice to senior management and elected members.
• Oversee preparation of the Medium-Term Financial Plan (MTFP) for a gross revenue spend of approx. £1bn.
• Ensure compliance with legislation, accounting standards, and best practices.
• Lead financial risk management and value-for-money initiatives across Council-wide transformation and savings programmes.
• Support readiness for ERP (Oracle) implementation and oversee the development of a finance product team.
• Mentor and support finance team members, fostering high performance and continuous improvement.
• Act as a member of the Council’s Corporate Leadership Team, contributing to strategic decision-making.

Candidate Criteria

• CCAB/CIMA Qualified Accountant with extensive PQE
• Proven track record in a senior leadership finance role with exposure to s151 responsibilities.
• Extensive experience leading MTFP development for a large Local Authority, translating plans into deliverable budget options.
• Strong background in Council-wide transformation/change programmes, working across multidisciplinary teams.
• Great communication and management skills with the ability to lead a large team

If you are interested in the role, or know of anyone who may be, please contact Greg at Service Care Solutions on 01772 208969 or email greg.waite@servicecare.org.uk
Service Care Solutions also offers a £250 referral bonus! So, if you know of anyone who would be perfect for this position and they are placed into work, you will receive £250 for the referral once their probationary period has been completed.