Director of Finance (Deputy Section 151 Officer)

Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames Council; City Of London; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A historic local authority in London is seeking a Director of Finance and Deputy Section 151 Officer. This key role involves shaping financial strategy, leading teams, and advising senior stakeholders. Ideal candidates will have CCAB or CIMA qualifications and significant public sector experience. Applications are invited through a recruitment site, with a closing date of November 24, 2025.

Qualifications

• Substantial senior experience within a local authority or public sector.
• Strong track record in leading finance teams and working with senior stakeholders.
• Ability to lead through complexity and change.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Council's financial strategy, governance, and stewardship.
• Influence Kingston’s Medium Term Financial Strategy.
• Provide senior financial advice to Members and corporate leadership.

Skills

CCAB or CIMA qualification

Senior leadership experience

Strategic financial planning

Commercial acumen

Technical assurance

Job description

The Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames is London’s oldest Royal borough, shaped by history and driven by ambition. As a diverse, high-performing and forward-looking authority, Kingston is committed to financial resilience, inclusive growth and delivering better outcomes for residents.

We are now seeking a Director of Finance and Deputy Section 151 Officer to play a pivotal role in shaping the Council’s financial strategy, governance and stewardship. As one of two senior leaders within the Shared Finance Service leadership team, you will act as principal deputy to the S151 Officer.

You will lead a broad portfolio, including financial planning, budget strategy, capital, treasury, pensions, audit, financial inclusion and external audit engagement. You will also provide senior financial advice to Members, corporate leadership and major programme boards, influencing Kingston’s Medium Term Financial Strategy and transformation ambitions.

We are seeking a CCAB or CIMA qualified finance leader, with substantial senior experience within a local authority or comparable public sector organisation. You will have a strong track record in technical assurance, strategic financial planning, leading high-performing finance teams and working confidently with elected Members and senior stakeholders. A strong commercial acumen to ensure value for money and service sustainability, future-focused mindset and the ability to lead through complexity and change are essential.

Key dates:

• Closing date: Monday 24 November 2025
• Technical interviews (virtual): Tuesday 2 December 2025
• 1:1s & stakeholder engagement (in-person): w/c 8 December (tbc)
• Final interviews (in-person): w/c 8 December / 15 December (tbc)

For more information about the role please refer to our dedicated recruitment site.

📨 To apply, please send your CV and supporting statement to:

[e-mail]

☎ For a confidential conversation, please contact our search partners at Allen Lane:

Jack Murphy – 07921 335 786 / [e-mail]

Philippa Watkins - 07921 336 643 / [e-mail]