Overview

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.

Responsibilities

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

Qualifications

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

Company information

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.