Job Description

Ipswich is a town with a rich heritage and an exciting future. As a regional centre, we play a vital role in Suffolk’s economic success. This is the perfect time to join us. We have developed a new corporate strategy and operating model that maximises the many opportunities available to us and defines our core purpose to champion our community and revitalise our town.

We are excited about our future and how we can support our town through efficient and effective public services. As Assistant Director, Finance you will play a vital role in ensuring that the council’s financial strategy enables the delivery of the corporate strategy. You will drive financial transformation and support the implementation of our new operating model across the council. This is a great opportunity to work closely with a very experienced S151 Officer, our Director of Resources and Housing, to develop your career to the next level.

Our new corporate strategy places significant emphasis on financial sustainability. In this critical role, you will take forward our financial plan, supporting the development of financially resilient services and higher reserve levels. As our Deputy Section 151 Officer, you will lead and manage the finance and procurement teams as well as our successful shared revenues partnership with Babergh & Mid Suffolk Councils.

This broad, challenging role will provide you with exposure to all aspects of a local authority finance function. This includes budgetary control, financial reporting, management accounting, treasury management, income collection and exploiting the functionality in our corporate finance ICT system. Each service area has an assigned Business Support Accountant, who works with the Head of Service on all financial matters.

This is a pro-active, front-foot role where you will be working collaboratively to provide financial advice, challenge and support. The breadth of responsibility and the high-profile nature of our ambition and transformation will position you ideally to propel your career quickly to the Chief Financial Officer level, working with an experienced and highly supportive Director.

Further reading

Financial Strategies and Medium-Term Financial Plan

Corporate Strategy

People Strategy

This is a role for someone with a background in senior financial management roles in local government.

This could be your first Assistant Director post and we will provide the support you need to develop quickly into your responsibilities, or you may be experienced at this level and looking for a new challenge to enhance your prospects of career progression.

Possessing a drive for customer excellence and highly developed financial acumen you will bring excellent leadership and management skills as well as strengths in working closely with senior stakeholders on critical financial decision-making.

Visit www.recruitment.ambitionipswich.com to find out more and apply. Or, for a confidential discussion, contact Mark Bearn (07747181490) or Maud Hollis (07444696659) at Tile Hill.

Closing date for applications: Midnight Sunday 10th September

Preliminary interviews (virtual): Friday 15th, Monday 18th and Tuesday 19th September

Assessment centre: w/c 2nd October

Final interviews: w/c 9th October