Interim Section 151 Officer (Director of Finance)

Interim Section 151 Officer (Director of Finance)

Location: Midlands Based District Council

Contract: Interim Assignment

Rate: Up to £1,100 per day (Inside IR35)

On-Site Requirement: 2-3 days per week

Duration: Initial 6 months (with potential extension)

The Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced and accomplished Interim Section 151 Officer to provide both the technical financial leadership and people management capability required to lead a local authority finance function through a challenging and high-profile period.

This role requires far more than financial expertise alone. The successful candidate will combine strong statutory finance leadership with the management skills, resilience and political awareness needed to support officers, engage Members and provide calm, credible advice as the organisation navigates complex financial and organisational challenges.

You will be a visible leader within the Council, taking responsibility for the performance and development of the finance team whilst ensuring the authority continues to meet its statutory obligations and maintain robust financial governance.

Key Responsibilities

Statutory Leadership

Act as the Council's designated Section 151 Officer, ensuring compliance with all statutory financial responsibilities.

Provide authoritative advice to Members, the Chief Executive, Executive Team and wider leadership team on financial strategy, governance and decision-making.

Lead on budget setting, financial planning, treasury management, financial resilience and year-end processes.

Ensure effective financial controls, assurance arrangements and risk management frameworks are maintained.

Lead external audit engagement and manage key relationships with auditors and regulators.

Finance Leadership and Management

Provide direct leadership and management to the finance function.

Lead, motivate and develop finance staff, creating a positive and high-performing culture.

Ensure clear objectives, accountability and performance management arrangements are in place across the service.

Support and mentor finance managers while providing stability and direction during a period of change.

Drive continuous improvement across financial processes, systems and reporting.

Member and Stakeholder Engagement

Develop positive and productive relationships with elected Members.

Present complex financial matters in a clear, practical and accessible manner.

Provide confidence and reassurance during difficult financial discussions and decision-making processes.

Support Members in understanding financial risks, opportunities and statutory responsibilities.

Work collaboratively with senior officers, external partners and key stakeholders.

Strategic and Corporate Contribution

Contribute as a member of the senior leadership team.

Support the Council's wider transformation, organisational development and service improvement ambitions.

Provide strategic financial insight to inform corporate priorities and decision-making.

Champion sound governance, accountability and financial sustainability across the organisation.

About You

We are looking for an experienced local government finance leader who can demonstrate:

Essential Experience

Previous experience acting as a Section 151 Officer within a local authority.

CCAB-qualified accountant (CIPFA, ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).

Significant experience leading local government finance functions.

Strong understanding of local authority accounting, financial management and governance requirements.

Experience operating successfully within politically sensitive environments.

Leadership Qualities

An approachable and credible people manager.

Proven ability to lead, support and develop teams.

Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Ability to build trust and confidence with Members, officers and stakeholders.

Calm, resilient and measured under pressure.

Ability to simplify complex financial matters for non-financial audiences.

What Success Looks Like

The successful interim will:

Provide confident and effective leadership to the finance service.

Ensure the Council's statutory financial responsibilities are discharged effectively.

Build constructive relationships with Members and senior leaders.

Support the organisation through complex financial and organisational challenges.

Create stability, clarity and confidence across the finance function.

Key Message

This appointment is fundamentally about leadership as much as finance. While the technical expertise required of a Section 151 Officer is essential, the Council is particularly seeking an individual with the management capability, emotional intelligence and composure to lead people, engage Members and provide steady leadership through a demanding period