Strategic Director of Finance and Deputy Chief Executive (s151 Officer)

Strategic Director of Finance and Deputy Chief Executive (s151 Officer)
Location: Isle of Wight
Contract: Temporary (4 months)
Salary: £900 per day umbrella / £791.436 PAYE Inclusive / £706.20 PAYE Exclusive
Start Date: ASAP
Contact: rachel.burgess@servicecare.org.uk

Job Description
Service Care Solutions are recruiting on behalf of a local authority in the Isle of Wight for an interim Strategic Director of Finance and Deputy Chief Executive (s151 Officer) to join the team on a temporary basis. The postholder will provide strategic leadership of the council’s finance function, ensuring strong governance, resilience, and value for money. As Section 151 officer, oversee the lawful administration of financial affairs, including pensions. Deputise for the Chief Executive when required, taking on full leadership responsibilities. Contribute to corporate leadership by working with Members and partners, promoting the island, and driving a high-performing, engaged workforce committed to excellent service.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead on financial policy, strategy, management, and Local Government Pension Scheme
• Carry out all duties as the statutory Section 151 Officer
• implement transformation and improvement plans
• management accounting and financial planning
• strategic procurement
• treasury management
• internal audit and risk assurance

Candidate Criteria

• Fully qualified CCAB accountant with substantial post qualification experience.
• 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 with a gross budget exceeding £300m
• Successful delivery of balanced budgets despite funding reductions.
• Able to support 'whole council transformation' to deliver significant efficiency savings.
• Someone who can think commercially, innovatively and creatively about how funding is best deployed to support growth

If you are interested in the role, or know of anyone who could be, please contact Rachel at Service Care Solutions on 01772 208969 or email rachel.burgess@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.