Director of Finance (Section 151 Officer)

South East England Temporary £800 - £900 Per Day

Day Rate: £850pd

Contract: Initial 6 Months (Strong Extension Possibility)

Location: South East England (2 Days PW In Office)

We are working with Borough Council located in the Home Counties who are seeking an experienced is seeking an experienced Interim Section 151 Officer to provide strategic financial leadership during a pivotal period for the authority.

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive and working closely with Members, Cabinet and the Corporate Leadership Team, you will fulfil the Council's statutory Section 151 responsibilities whilst driving financial sustainability, transformation and organisational resilience.

This is a high-profile leadership role requiring a credible local government finance leader who can provide clear advice in a politically sensitive environment and confidently steer the authority through budget setting, medium-term financial planning and financial governance.

Key Responsibilities

Fulfil the statutory duties of the Council's Section 151 Officer.
Lead the development and delivery of the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) and annual budget.
Provide strategic financial advice to Members, Cabinet, Chief Officers and external stakeholders.
Ensure robust financial governance, risk management and regulatory compliance.
Oversee budget monitoring, treasury management, capital strategy and reserves management.
Lead on financial recovery, savings delivery and transformation programmes where required.
Support the production of high-quality Statement of Accounts and external audit processes.
Drive commercial opportunities, service transformation and financial sustainability initiatives.
Build strong relationships across the organisation, enabling effective business partnering and decision making.

About You

You will be a qualified accountant (CIPFA, ACA, ACCA or equivalent) with substantial experience operating at Director of Finance, Deputy Section 151 Officer or Section 151 Officer level within Local Government.

You will bring:

Proven experience delivering balanced budgets and MTFS development in a council environment.
Strong understanding of local government finance, governance and statutory responsibilities.
Experience advising elected Members, Cabinets and Corporate Leadership Teams.
A track record of leading through financial challenge, transformation or organisational change.
Expertise across revenue, capital, treasury, audit and financial reporting.
Excellent stakeholder management skills and the ability to operate effectively within a political environment.
The credibility and resilience to provide robust challenge whilst maintaining effective relationships.

Please do drop me a ring on 07527 087 561 or get in touch via finlay@park-avenue.co.uk and I'd be more than happy to have a chat regarding the position.