Strategic Director of Finance (s151 Officer)

Interim Strategic Director of Finance & Deputy Chief Executive (Section 151 Officer)

Spencer Clarke Group are working closely with a Local Authority to appoint an Interim Strategic Director of Finance & Deputy Chief Executive (designated Section 151 Officer) to provide senior leadership and statutory financial oversight during a period of transition.

Day Rate: per day (Negotiable)
Contract length: 3-6 months initially
Part-time: 3 days per week
Working pattern: Hybrid (regular onsite presence required)
Location: South Coast

The successful candidate will operate at a senior corporate level, leading the Council's finance function and fulfilling statutory Section 151 responsibilities.

Key responsibilities:

1. Providing strategic leadership and oversight of the finance function.
2. Acting as the Council's statutory Section 151 Officer, ensuring proper administration of financial affairs.
3. Leading financial strategy, policy, and medium-term financial planning (MTFS).
4. Overseeing treasury management, internal audit, risk and financial governance.
5. Driving transformation and improvement programmes across the Council.
6. Leading on management accounting, financial planning and budget setting.
7. Overseeing strategic procurement and value for money initiatives.
8. Acting as Deputy Chief Executive, deputising for the Chief Executive when required.
9. Providing oversight of the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) as administering authority.

You will ideally have:

• Fully qualified CCAB accountant (CIPFA / ACA / ACCA / CIMA) - essential.
• Extensive experience operating at Director / Section 151 level within a Local Authority.
• Strong understanding of the Local Government Act 1972 and statutory Section 151 responsibilities.
• Proven experience delivering MTFS within large, complex councils ( 300m+ budgets).
• Experience leading large-scale transformation and efficiency programmes.
• Strong expertise across treasury, audit, risk and pensions (LGPS).

If you are interested, please submit your CV along with your required day rate. If successful, a consultant will be in touch to discuss further details.

Due to the high volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

INDSCGBR

We also offer a market-leading referral scheme of up to 300.
If you know someone suitable, please ask them to email their CV to , including your details. T&Cs apply.