Deputy Head of Finance (Deputy S151 Officer)

In Cambridge City we have a clear vision to lead a united city, in which economic dynamism and prosperity are combined with social justice and equality. Our significant resource base and financial strength is a vital part of our ambitions, and consequently exceptional financial leadership is critical to our success. As our Deputy Head of Finance and Deputy Section 151 Officer you will lead and deliver outstanding, customer focused accounting services that safeguard our resources, underpin Council decision making and enable our ongoing transformation.
About the role This is a rare opportunity to develop at a Deputy level while reporting to a Head of Finance who has responsibility for leading financial services and internal audit. While your primary focus will be on Cambridge City, our commitment to effective partnership working, both in support services and at the front line, creates variety, complexity and development for our staff.

You will be the champion for the excellent management of financial resources, providing Members and officers with high quality strategic advice and promoting a culture which empowers budget holders and supports the delivery of value for money services.

You will lead the development of our financial management system, working with the two local authority partners who share the system. Delivery of an effective and efficient year end accounts process will be your responsibility, as will management of treasury, cash, capital and VAT. Working with the Head of Finance, you will lead on the development of annual and longer term financial plans, as well as the delivery of revenue and capital budgets.

Bringing all this together, you will provide leadership and management of the accountancy teams, developing staff to their full potential, challenging and improving performance and building a service that has both the ability to deliver today and the potential to meet the challenges of the ever changing local government landscape. As an authority at the forefront of that change, Cambridge City is a place where you will need to learn and adapt quickly and where the scope and variety of work will challenge your leadership, professional and technical skills to the utmost.
About you A professionally qualified accountant (CCAB, CIMA or equivalent) with a track record of leading and developing large, multi-service finance teams and with a strong understanding of financial accounting, you will be able to evidence a significant role in the preparation of final accounts, the delivery of corporate budget processes and in the provision of sound strategic advice to Member/Board level.

If your background is not in local government, we would expect to see directly relevant and transferable experience that would be appropriate to working in a complex, political, service environment.

All third party & direct applicants will be sent directly to Lucy West at Hays Senior Finance to be screened as part of the recruitment process.
How to apply Please click on the apply link, submit your CV and covering letter and complete the equal opportunities monitoring form.

For more information please contact Lucy West at Hays Senior Finance or please visit: microsites.hays.co.uk/jobs/cambridge-city-council

Closing date for all applications: 20th May 2019

Longlist Interviews - Candidates will be notified if they have been longlisted for an interview on Tuesday 28th May

Shortlist Assessment Centre and Final Interviews will take place on Tuesday 4th June