Interim Finance Director

Job Description

Senior Finance Job - Finance Director - Interim - ACCA/CIMA/CIPFA - Public Sector

PurposeProvide senior financial leadership to stabilise the organisation’s financial position, strengthen core financial processes, and improve the accuracy and reliability of financial reporting. Work closely with the Board, Chief Executive, and Executive Team to support financial recovery and ensure effective information flow across the organisation.

Key Responsibilities:

Financial Leadership & Compliance

• Apply strong knowledge of local authority companies and public‑sector financial, legal, and governance frameworks.
• Ensure compliance with financial regulations and internal controls.
• Lead assigned financial projects, delivering agreed outcomes on time and within budget.

Financial Stability & Controls

• Strengthen financial controls, income collection, and credit management.
• Oversee timely, accurate management accounts and financial reporting.
• Ensure robust systems for payments to suppliers, contractors, and staff.
• Review and rationalise banking arrangements and financial processes.
• Oversee risk management, financial resilience, and business continuity planning.

Budgeting & Financial Planning

• Lead annual and in‑year budget setting, ensuring realistic and evidence‑based financial plans.
• Strengthen budget management through timely reporting, variance analysis, and corrective action.
• Build financial capability across the organisation and support budget holders.
• Ensure alignment between budget monitoring, cashflow forecasting, and wider financial controls.

Governance & Assurance

• Act as a key link between finance, the Executive Team, and the Board.
• Strengthen internal financial governance, clarifying roles, responsibilities, and processes.
• Support the implementation of financial recovery and stabilisation measures.

Digital & Process Improvement

• Drive adoption of digital tools, automation, and data‑driven processes.
• Work with technology teams to integrate new systems and improve financial workflows.
• Identify opportunities for innovation and improved efficiency.

Stakeholder & Partnership Management

• Build strong relationships with external partners, regulators, and stakeholders.
• Represent the organisation in senior forums, promoting strategic priorities and achievements.

Customer & Service Standards

• Provide fair, accessible, and responsive services.
• Communicate clearly with internal and external customers and resolve queries promptly.
• Uphold high standards of data protection, equality, diversity, and health and safety.

Person Specification:
Essential

• Fully qualified accountant (ICAEW, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA).
• Senior leadership experience in local government or regulated public‑sector environments.
• Strong technical expertise in financial strategy, budgeting, audit, governance, and statutory reporting.
• Proven ability to operate within public‑sector financial frameworks.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and influencing skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to ethical standards, compliance, and robust financial control.

Desirable

• Knowledge of VAT, treasury management, or repairs and maintenance business models.
• Experience leading financial recovery or transformation programmes.
• Understanding of commercial contracting, pricing, and cost allocation.
• Additional qualifications in tax, treasury, risk, or governance.

Leadership & Communication

• Experience operating in complex, political, multi‑stakeholder environments.
• Strong partnership‑building skills with Boards, Executive Teams, and external bodies.
• Ability to produce high‑quality executive summaries and reports that support strategic decision‑making.
• Skilled at influencing behaviours and driving collaboration across diverse teams.

Executive ConductExecutive leaders are expected to act with integrity, uphold legal and regulatory responsibilities, ensure safeguarding and information security, and champion equality, diversity, and inclusion. # 4773637