Head of Corporate Financial Services S112 Officer

Macildowie is delighted to be partnering with Leicester Fire and Rescue Service in the appointment of a new Head of Corporate Financial Services (S112 Officer). This is a key leadership role, offering an exciting opportunity to contribute to the strategic direction and operational success of one of the most vital public services in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.

Salary: £82,862 plus LGPS and additional benefits

About Leicester Fire and Rescue Service:

Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland Fire and Rescue Service (LFRS) operates in a diverse and multicultural area of more than 979 square miles. Serving a population of over 1.1 million people, LFRS protects a wide range of domestic, business, and environmental assets, while addressing unique challenges related to urban, semi-rural and rural communities.

LFRS is governed by the Combined Fire Authority (CFA), which is responsible for ensuring the provision of an effective fire and rescue service to the region. As part of the strategic leadership team, the Head of Corporate Financial Services will lead the finance, IT, and property functions, helping to shape and deliver the Service's mission.

Role Purpose:

As a key member of our strategic team, the Head of Corporate Financial Services will play a pivotal role in ensuring the business support functions assist the Service in achieving its strategic objectives. This statutory role also carries the responsibility of Treasurer/Section 112 Officer, to the CFA in accordance with the Local Government Finance Act, while providing expert financial advice to the Strategic Leadership Team (SLT) and key stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic financial advice to the Chief Fire Officer and wider leadership team, ensuring compliance with statutory financial requirements.
• Undertake the statutory responsibilities of Treasurer/Section 112 Officer ensuring astute financial governance and management by the CFA.
• Work effectively with the Monitoring Officer to ensure good governance
• Oversee procurement, ensuring it aligns with legislative standards and best practices.
• Manage the ICT department, setting strategic direction and ensuring high-quality service delivery.
• Act as the Pensions Scheme Manager for the applicable pension schemes.
• Collaborate with the SLT to secure process improvements and ensure value for money.
• Provide leadership and management oversight of the Fleet and Equipment and Estates functions
• Support the development and delivery of sound financial strategy and ethical financial management across the service.

Person Specification

Skills & Abilities:

• Proven ability to lead and inspire multi-functional teams.
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills at all levels.
• Strong financial management expertise, including budget oversight and strategy development.

Knowledge:

• Comprehensive understanding of local government accounting regulations and statutory frameworks.
• Knowledge of procurement, taxation, audit, pensions, and health & safety regulations.
• Strong knowledge of financial and performance management in public sector organisations.

Experience:

• Significant experience in a senior financial management position, ideally within the public sector and preferably local government.
• Extensive experience of budget setting and managing complex financial systems.
• Proven track record of leading multi-functional teams through change and service improvement.
• Experience in partnership development, working across multiple agencies, and influencing key stakeholders to achieve organisational objectives

Qualifications:

• CCAB qualified accountant with substantial post-qualification experience

Additional Information:

• This role will require travel across Leicestershire, and a full driving license is essential
• The successful candidate will be required to pass security vetting procedures and a basic criminal record check.
• Commitment to the Service's values of professionalism, positivity, and honesty.

Why Join Us?This is an exceptional opportunity for a talented finance leader to join a forward-thinking public service organisation. As part of the Strategic Leadership Team, you will influence key decisions and help shape the future of the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Fire and Rescue Service.

Leicester Fire and Rescue Service is committed to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of the community.

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