Head of Finance (Technical)
Ipswich Borough Council
Salary: £63,092 - £67,853
Hybrid working with a minimum of 1 day per week onsite
I am pleased to be recruiting, on behalf of Ipswich Borough Council, for a Head of Finance (Technical), a key senior finance opportunity within a forward-thinking local authority at an important point in its journey.
Ipswich Borough Council is passionate about making a real difference for its residents, communities and local economy. With a clear ambition set out in its Proud of Ipswich Corporate Strategy, the Council is focused on championing the community, revitalising the town and delivering the essential services that people rely on every day.
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced and technically strong finance professional to join the organisation in a senior leadership role. Reporting to the Assistant Director, Finance and working closely with the Director of Resources, the successful candidate will lead the Council’s technical finance function and play a central role in maintaining strong financial governance, compliance and resilience.
The Council is also preparing for Local Government Reorganisation, a once-in-a-generation change in the way local services are delivered across Suffolk. This role will be particularly important in helping the organisation maintain robust financial management throughout this period of change and ensuring it is well positioned for a sustainable future.
The role
As Head of Finance (Technical), you will lead the Council’s technical finance function, providing strategic oversight across statutory accounting, treasury management, taxation and financial compliance.
You will act as a principal financial adviser to the Council, Executive, Committees and senior managers, while taking ownership of the annual closure of accounts, production of the Statement of Accounts and liaison with External Audit.
The post also includes line management responsibility for the Finance Manager, alongside strategic leadership of the Technical, Treasury, Insurance, Income and Payments team. The successful candidate will be expected to identify opportunities for innovation, strengthen compliance and controls, mitigate risk and ensure the Council remains up to date with relevant legislation and professional standards.
About you
I am keen to speak with qualified finance professionals holding CIPFA, ACCA, CIMA or an equivalent qualification, who can demonstrate a track record of delivering high-quality financial services within a complex organisation.
You will bring strong leadership and people management capability, excellent communication and influencing skills, and a collaborative, solutions-focused approach. You should be highly organised, adaptable and comfortable operating in a changing environment.
Previous experience within local government or a similar public sector setting will be highly desirable.
Why apply?
This is a rare opportunity to join a local authority with a clear sense of purpose and ambition, and to take on a highly visible technical finance leadership role at a pivotal time.
In return, Ipswich Borough Council offers a competitive salary, career average pension scheme, generous annual leave and sick pay entitlements, subsidised parking for work and leisure, public transport discounts, free swimming and gym membership, a cycle purchase scheme, flexible and hybrid working arrangements, an employee assistance programme, and a strong commitment to personal and professional development.
For the right candidate, the role may also include designation as the Council’s Deputy Section 151 Officer. Where applicable, this attracts an additional allowance of £5,000 in recognition of those statutory responsibilities.