Interim Head of Finance & Procurement

Interim Head of Finance & Procurement role We are looking to speak with qualified finance candidates who have local government experience/ S151 experience for initially a 6-month opportunity. To drive continuous improvement in the finance and procurement functions, support a range of organisation-wide projects, and support and influence strategic decision-making at the highest levels. The Head of Finance & Procurement is a member of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), which includes heads of functions from across the Service, who work together, and alongside the executive Leadership Team (ELT), to oversee the shape and direction of the Service and ensure that legal responsibilities are being met. In addition to being a member of SLT, the Head of Finance & Procurement will be specifically responsible for strategic and operational finance and procurement. Salary and working arrangements:

• £95k to £100k per annum
• 6-months initially (the current incumbent is leaving December 2024)
• Flexible hybrid working arrangements- (preference on 2-3 days a week on site)
• We are looking to speak with candidates who have worked within the public sector at a senior level, most likely to be step-up or step-across candidates from Local Authorities, Blue Light, or related non-profit organisations.

With this in mind, comprehensive role responsibilities are detailed in the job description, and priorities include:

• Being accountable for all Section 151 responsibilities in accordance with the Local Government Act 1972 and subsequent legislation and representing the CFO / Chief Executive Officer as required (including budget setting, and the close down of accounts).
• Provide strategic financial and procurement advice and direction for the Chief Financial Officer / Chief Executive Officer, ensuring that all statutory requirements are being adhered to.
• Demonstrating positive strategic leadership, working as a member of the SLT, securing the improvement and transformation of processes and service throughout the organisation with a key emphasis on value for money and community satisfaction.
• Leading, enabling and being wholly accountable for the functions for which they are responsible, in accordance with the Service's strategic planning, strategy and supporting business plans.
• Developing and implementing strategies to deliver the organisation's strategic objectives sustainably and in the public interest.
• Enabling the effective strategic leadership of the organisation, maintaining focus on its purpose and vision through rigorous analysis, horizon scanning and challenge.

The candidate

• The successful candidate will manage an overall budget of circa £130m per annum. In addition to becoming an effective member of SLT, the successful candidate will design and implement a continuous improvement strategy that will drive ongoing enhancements in the finance and procurement functions.
• Candidates will need to hold a CCAB qualification or equivalent and be technically capable of performing the statutory responsibilities of the role.
• The dual aspect of the role is important, ie: the ability to interact with the leadership team and work across the organisation, as well as having the ability to work with non-financial colleagues and turn financial data into actionable intelligence.

If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or reach out to Charles Maidment from the Hays Bristol senior finance team. If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.

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