Interim Section 151 Officer (Director of Finance)

6 Month Contract With A Local Authority

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

Essential

• 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.
  
  
  

Desirable

• 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.
  
  
  


• CIPFA membership.
  
  
  

Additional Information

• Location: Rugby, West Midlands
  
  
  


• Hours Per Week: 37 Hours
  
  
  


• Payment Frequency: Bi-Weekly Payments