Chief Officer (Finance and Performance) – Council

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE CHIEF OFFICER – FINANCE AND PERFORMANCE

Statutory Leadership

• Act as the Council’s designated Section 151 Officer, ensuring compliance with all statutory financial responsibilities.
• Provide authoritative advice to Members, the Chief Executive, Executive Team and wider leadership team on financial strategy, governance and decision-making.
• Lead on budget setting, financial planning, treasury management, financial resilience and year-end processes.
• Ensure effective financial controls, assurance arrangements and risk management frameworks are maintained.
• Lead external audit engagement and manage key relationships with auditors and regulators.

Finance Leadership and Management

• Provide direct leadership and management to the finance function.
• Lead, motivate and develop finance staff, creating a positive and high-performing culture.
• Ensure clear objectives, accountability and performance management arrangements are in place across the service.
• Support and mentor finance managers while providing stability and direction during a period of change.
• Drive continuous improvement across financial processes, systems and reporting.

Member and Stakeholder Engagement

• Develop positive and productive relationships with elected Members.
• Present complex financial matters in a clear, practical and accessible manner.
• Provide confidence and reassurance during difficult financial discussions and decision-making processes.
• Support Members in understanding financial risks, opportunities and statutory responsibilities.
• Work collaboratively with senior officers, external partners and key stakeholders.

Strategic and Corporate Contribution

• Contribute as a member of the senior leadership team.
• Support the Council’s wider transformation, organisational development and service improvement ambitions.
• Provide strategic financial insight to inform corporate priorities and decision-making.
• Champion sound governance, accountability and financial sustainability across the organisation.

SKILLS/EXPERIENCES OF THE CHIEF OFFICER – FINANCE AND PERFORMANCE

• Previous experience acting as a Section 151 Officer within a local authority.
• CCAB-qualified accountant (CIPFA, ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
• Significant experience leading local government finance functions.
• Strong understanding of local authority accounting, financial management and governance requirements.
• Experience operating successfully within politically sensitive environments.
• Leadership Qualities
• An approachable and credible people manager.
• Proven ability to lead, support and develop teams.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to build trust and confidence with Members, officers and stakeholders.
• Calm, resilient and measured under pressure.
• Ability to simplify complex financial matters for non-financial audiences.

We welcome all applications regardless of background, in line with our commitment to diversity, equality and inclusion.

Role: Chief Officer – Finance and Performance REF 1793138Contract Length: 6 months with potential extensionLocation: Hybrid/Rugby – 2-3 days per weekIR35: InsidePay Rate to Intermediary: Up to £1,100 per daySecurity Clearance: BPSS

Spinwell is recruiting for a Chief Officer – Finance and Performance for an excellent opportunity within the public sector.

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