Interim Strategic Director of Finance and Deputy Chief Executive (s151 Officer)
Based in South Coast, hybrid working & Inside IR35
Length: 3-4 months


We’re seeking an Interim Strategic Director of Finance & Deputy Chief Executive to provide strategic leadership and oversight of the council’s finance function, ensuring financial stewardship, robust governance, financial resilience and value for money in all council activities.


Key Responsibilities of the Strategic Director of Finance and Deputy Chief Executive (s151 Officer):
*Deputise for the chief executive, assuming full responsibilities of head of paid service in their absence, including organisational leadership and emergency decision making
*To play a key role in the overall leadership of the organisation, working collaboratively with Members and partners and serving as an ambassador for the island while fostering a higher-performing, motivated and engaged workforce committed to service excellence
*As the designated Section 151 officer, ensure the discharge of statutory responsibilities for the proper administration of the council’s financial affairs, including pensions, as the council is a pension administering authority for its LGPS fund
The candidate will need to lead on:
*Financial policy, strategy and management
*All duties as the council’s statutory section 151 officer
*Implementation of transformation and improvement plans
*Management accounting and financial planning
*Strategic procurement
*Treasury management
*Internal audit and risk assurance
*Local Government Pension Scheme
Skills, Experience and Knowledge required of the Strategic Director of Finance and Deputy Chief Executive (s151 Officer):
*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 for a council with a gross budget exceeding £300m
*Successfully delivery of balanced budgets despite funding reductions
*Able to support ’whole council transformation’ to deliver significant efficiency savings
*Ideal candidate will be someone who can think commercially, innovatively and creatively about how funding is best deployed to support growth
*Venn Group’s "Recommendation Scheme": if you recommend a candidate who is subsequently placed by Venn Group (for a minimum of 2 weeks) you will be eligible for vouchers from a choice of high street organisations