Deputy Chief Finance Officer

Service Care Legal; Dorchester; On-site; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Part time

Job summary

A local authority consulting firm in Dorset is seeking a Deputy CFO to support financial management and strategic decision-making. The ideal candidate will be a CCAB/CIMA qualified accountant with extensive experience in senior finance roles, ensuring compliance with accounting standards and overseeing financial planning. This temporary position offers a competitive rate and requires strong leadership capabilities.

Benefits

Referral bonus of £250

Qualifications

• Extensive PQE as a qualified accountant.
• Proven track record in senior leadership finance roles.
• Experience leading MTFP development for large Local Authorities.

Responsibilities

• Deliver robust financial management under the Local Government Act 1972.
• Oversee preparation of the Medium-Term Financial Plan.
• Ensure compliance with legislation and accounting standards.

Skills

Strategic financial advice

Financial risk management

Mentoring finance team members

Communication skills

Education

CCAB/CIMA Qualified Accountant

Job description

Overview

Deputy CFO & Deputy S151 Officer

Location: Dorset

Contract: Temporary (6 months initial)

Rate: £750.00 - £900.00 per day umbrella // £659.61 - £791.42 per day PAYE inclusive // £588.57 - £706.18 per day PAYE exclusive

Start Date: ASAP

Contact: (url removed)

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 preparation of the Medium-Term Financial Plan (MTFP) for a gross revenue spend of approx. £1bn.
• Ensure compliance with legislation, accounting standards, and best practices.
• Lead financial risk management and value-for-money initiatives across Council-wide transformation and savings programmes.
• Support readiness for ERP (Oracle) implementation and oversee the development of a finance product team.
• Mentor and support finance team members, fostering high performance and continuous improvement.
• Act as a member of the Council's Corporate Leadership Team, contributing to strategic decision-making.

Candidate Criteria

• CCAB/CIMA Qualified Accountant with extensive PQE.
• Proven track record in a senior leadership finance role with exposure to s151 responsibilities.
• Extensive experience leading MTFP development for a large Local Authority, translating plans into deliverable budget options.
• Strong background in Council-wide transformation/change programmes, working across multidisciplinary teams.
• Great communication and management skills with the ability to lead a large team.

How to Apply

If you are interested in the role, or know of anyone who may be, please contact Greg at Service Care Solutions on [phone number removed] or email [url removed].

Benefits

• Referral bonus: Service Care Solutions offers a £250 referral bonus. If someone you refer is placed and completes their probation, you will receive £250.