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Interim Deputy CFO and Deputy S151 officer

Salary: Negotiable
Location: Dorchester

 

Job Title: Interim Deputy CFO & Deputy s151 officer

Location: Dorchester/Hybrid - note given the role, 1-2 days per week in the office as required for key meetings

Start date: immediate

Rate: Dependent on experience

Inside IR35

Connect2Dorset are seeking an Interim Deputy S151 Officer for an initial 6 month contract. You will lead the Council's budget setting process working directly to, and with, the Council's Chief Finance Officer (Section 151 Officer) and deputising for them.

This is a key opportunity to play a pivotal role in ensuring the financial resilience and stability of the organisation during a critical period.

Key Responsibilities:

  1. Support the Section 151 Officer in delivering robust financial management and statutory duties under the Local Government Act 1972.
  2. Provide strategic financial advice to senior management and elected members.
  3. Oversee the preparation the MTFP papers and reports for a gross revenue spend of c.£1bn.
  4. Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, accounting standards, and best practices.
  5. Lead on financial risk management and value for money for a Council wide transformation programme savings and efficiency plans.
  6. Ensure the finance teams readiness for ERP (Oracle) implementation and oversee the development of a product team
  7. Mentor and support finance team members to ensure high performance and continuous improvement.
  8. This role will be part of the Council's corporate leadership team

You will have:

  1. A proven track record of working effectively in a leadership role with exposure to S151 responsibilities.
  2. Experience leading on the development of the MTFP for a large local authority, translating emerging plans into deliverable budget options
  3. Experience supporting and driving Council wide multi-year transformation and change programmes working as part of a multidisciplinary team
  4. Desirable experience of preparing for implementation of a new ERP system (oracle) including change management and business process redesign.
  5. Experience of managing relationships with internal/external auditors and responding to audit findings.
  6. Highly developed communication skills and the ability to influence and negotiate across a range of diverse subjects and stakeholders, working with minimum supervision.
  7. Proactive-does not wait for things to happen-makes them happen.
  8. In depth understanding of local government finance regulations, challenges, and best practices.
  9. Fully qualified CCAB accountant (e.g. CIPFA, ACCA, CIMA, ACA).
  10. Political sensitivity with an ability to make progress in complex policy areas and a strong belief in the value of local democracy and accountability.
  11. Commitment to the Council's values and behaviours and equal opportunity policy, with an ability to demonstrate personal leadership on the importance of diversity.

Connect2Dorset is a trading style of Dorset & Kent Commercial Services LLP - A joint venture between Dorset Council & Commercial Services Kent Ltd. Connect2Dorset is an equal opportunities Employment Agency & Business. It positively encourages applications from all suitably qualified and eligible candidates.