Assistant Director - Finance (Deputy Section 151)

Have you the drive and ambition to lead our Finance Service?

Can you help us achieve value for money in all we do and facilitate the delivery of corporate priorities through solution focused financial management?

This is a vital role within the organisation, leading the Council’s finance and procurement functions, both intrinsic to the Council’s ability to deliver modern, effective and efficient services to the districts 176,000 residents, and the tenants of our 5,200-council owned and managed housing stock.

The ability to build relationships with Senior Leaders within the organisation and with key partners externally will be a real opportunity for you to showcase your professional can-do attitude and deliver on the key strategic priorities for the services, and support those across the broader Council.

You will have an appreciation of traditional finance functions, to include Treasury Management, Medium Term Financial planning, the preparation of the annual budget, supporting the delivery of the Annual Financial Report, liaising with the external auditor and supporting the delivery of an internal audit plan, delivered through a contracted internal audit partnership.

This is a great career move for an accomplished finance and transformation shaping professional seeking to step up into the Section 151 Officer role in the future.  This is a role with a real scope to make things happen in this fabulous New Forest location.

What’s in it for you?

• 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays (additional 5 days for 5 or more years continuous service)
• £75,968 – £80,208 per annum (up to £84,575 per annum for exceptional performance when in post)
• Hybrid Working
• Wide range of employee discounts at high street retailers, including supermarkets, stores and restaurants
• A Cycle to Work scheme which could save you around 40% on cycles and accessories
• Local Government Pension Scheme and AVC provision
• Employee Assistance Programme (free 24 hour legal, financial and personal advice for employees).

Looking for light and modern work environment?

Our offices are located in the picturesque New Forest, with open plan layout, decorated bright and light with office views over our beautiful grounds. We have spaces available away from the office for team meetings in our dedicated meeting rooms, the work café or on one of our picnic benches outside.

About us

The Council has an excellent reputation for its sound financial management and relationships between officers and members are positive.  The General Fund carries no debt, and the budget is typically balanced without the need to use bridging reserves.  HRA borrowing is currently limited to that required under the 2012 Housing Revenue Account re-financing.

You can be assured that you’ll be joining an organisation that is committed to its people; to creating a supportive environment where professional and personal development is encouraged; and where all contributions are valued and welcomed.  Beyond our approach to our people, it really is all about the place, and there can’t be many better places to enjoy your work than the unique natural environment we are proud to be the custodians of.  We want to consolidate what we do well and identify areas where we can further modernise and transform our ways of working.

There is much to do and at pace. The Council is already playing a vital role in some major projects.  As one of the largest districts in the country, with 6 towns and a close relationship with neighbouring conurbations, the New Forest provides a supportive environment in which everyone who works for us can help drive our aims.

We believe that all our employees make a valuable contribution to the work of the council and that’s why we encourage a trusting and open culture where each employee is supported and respected equally. We also recognise the value of a highly motivated and engaged workforce and we actively promote a good work/life balance.

For further information about working for us and to view the Job Description, please see the attached candidate pack. If after reading this you feel you would like an informal discussion about the role, please contact Alan Bethune (Strategic Director – Corporate Resources and Transformation) on 02380 285001.

Closing date: 24^th March

Interview Date: 15^th & 16^th April