Interim Section 151 Officer (Director of Finance)
Rugby, United Kingdom | Posted on 15/10/2026
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Job Description
6 Month Contract With A Local Authority
Job Purpose
To provide strategic financial leadership and fulfil the statutory responsibilities of the Council’s Section 151 Officer, ensuring sound financial management, effective governance and long-term financial sustainability across the authority.
The postholder will lead the Finance function through a challenging and high-profile period, providing expert advice to Members, the Chief Executive and senior leadership teams whilst ensuring statutory compliance, robust financial controls and effective stewardship of public resources. The role requires a highly experienced local government finance professional with exceptional leadership, stakeholder management and people management skills.
As a visible and influential senior leader, the Interim Section 151 Officer will provide stability, confidence and direction across the Council, supporting organisational transformation and ensuring informed decision-making during a period of significant change.
Key Responsibilities
Statutory Leadership
- Act as the Council’s designated Section 151 Officer and fulfil all statutory responsibilities.
- Ensure compliance with local government financial regulations, legislation and governance requirements.
- Provide authoritative financial advice to Members, the Chief Executive, Executive Team and senior officers.
- Lead the development and delivery of the Council’s financial strategy.
- Oversee budget setting, medium-term financial planning and financial forecasting.
- Ensure effective treasury management arrangements are in place.
- Lead year-end accounts processes and statutory financial reporting.
- Maintain robust financial control, assurance and risk management frameworks.
- Ensure financial governance arrangements remain effective and compliant.
- Lead engagement with external auditors, regulators and inspection bodies.
Finance Leadership & Management
- Provide strategic and operational leadership for the Finance Service.
- Lead, motivate and develop finance teams and senior finance managers.
- Establish a high-performing culture focused on accountability, continuous improvement and service excellence.
- Support workforce development and succession planning.
- Provide clear leadership during periods of organisational change and financial challenge.
- Ensure effective performance management arrangements are in place across the service.
- Drive improvements to financial systems, reporting and business processes.
Member & Stakeholder Engagement
- Build strong and productive relationships with elected Members.
- Present complex financial issues in a clear and accessible manner.
- Support Members in understanding financial risks, opportunities and statutory obligations.
- Provide confidence and reassurance during financially challenging decision-making processes.
- Develop effective relationships with senior officers, partners and external stakeholders.
- Act as a trusted advisor on financial strategy, governance and organisational sustainability.
Strategic & Corporate Leadership
- Contribute as a member of the Council’s senior leadership team.
- Support corporate transformation, service improvement and organisational development programmes.
- Provide strategic financial insight to support Council priorities and decision‑making.
- Champion best practice in governance, accountability and financial management.
- Support the delivery of sustainable and efficient public services.
Requirements
- Previous experience acting as a Section 151 Officer within a Local Authority.
- CCAB-qualified accountant (CIPFA, ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
- Significant senior leadership experience within Local Government Finance.
- Extensive knowledge of:
- Local Authority Finance
- Treasury Management
- Financial Governance
- Budget Setting
- Medium-Term Financial Planning
- Local Government Accounting Requirements
- Audit and Assurance Frameworks
- Experience operating successfully within politically sensitive environments.
- Exceptional leadership and people management skills.
- Experience leading large finance functions and senior management teams.
- Strong stakeholder engagement and influencing skills.
- Experience advising elected Members, Chief Executives and senior leaders.
- Ability to communicate complex financial matters to non-financial audiences.
- Experience leading organisations through financial and organisational challenges.
- Strong understanding of risk management, assurance and financial resilience.
- Previous Director of Finance experience.
- Experience leading finance services through transformation programmes.
- Experience within District Council environments.
- Experience managing significant financial recovery or improvement programmes.
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