Head Of Financial Services (Deputy S.151 Officer)

Torfaen is an innovative and vibrant Council with a clear vision and direction as articulated in its County Plan. There is strength and support across Leadership with an extremely strong corporate and governance approach. For a relatively small local authority, Torfaen CBC punches significantly above its weight in its use of resources. We’ve kept council tax rates amongst the lowest in Wales, while simultaneously pioneering a number of highly innovative approaches. Politically and administratively stable, we’ve earned a strong reputation within our peer group and beyond, and we’re well-placed to meet the strategic and operational challenges of the coming decade.

The retirement of our long-standing Head of Financial Services creates an exceptional opportunity for his successor to lead a high-performing and respected team. The division provides customer focused, cost-effective accounting and Financial Services to colleagues across the council, as well as fulfilling our corporate finance responsibilities. We’ve developed a genuine Business Partner culture, and you’ll relish the opportunity to continuously improve our financial management, planning and reporting.

As you’d expect, it’s a job with significant scope and demands, but the strong organisational structure of the team (and the authority as a whole) means that you’ll have everything you need to succeed. The culture is positive, warm and supportive, and we work hard to retain the trust and confidence of both our residents and wider stakeholders. Candidates will have the personal credibility and professional experience to step up to this vital job with confidence. We’re open to a range of backgrounds, but you must demonstrate an understanding of the role of corporate finance within a democratic and accountable context. A qualified accountant is essential, and you will bring substantial experience of effective leadership and management within a complex environment.

For further information, please visit www.faerfield.co.uk/torfaen To arrange an informal conversation with our advising consultants Dawn Faulkner or Sean Anderson, please call 0121 312 3755. Closing date: 13 March 2024.