Executive Director Finance, Governance and Assets (s151) (Full Time)

New Start; England; À distance; GBP 154 000 - 169 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

East Surrey Council is seeking an Executive Director of Finance, Governance and Assets to lead strategic financial governance and asset stewardship for a new unitary authority being formed in Surrey.

The role reports as the statutory S151 Officer and requires a strong track record in public sector financial leadership, governance, risk and transformation at scale.

Qualifications

• CCAB membership or equivalent qualifications is essential.
• Extensive experience in financial governance and public sector accounting.
• Ability to lead complex corporate resource functions.

Responsabilités

• Provide independent financial advice and assurance as statutory S151 Officer.
• Lead development of a financially sustainable operating model for East Surrey Council.
• Oversee corporate finance, governance, risk, assets, and commercial activity.

Connaissances

Strategic financial leadership

Governance and compliance

Asset management

Public sector accounting

Formation

CCAB membership or equivalent qualifications

Description du poste

Jobs

Executive Director Finance, Governance and Assets (s151)

More Information

Salary

£153,592 - £168,952

Expires

22/11/2026

Company

East Surrey

Location

East Surrey, Surrey

Job Type

Full Time

Shape something new. Secure the future of a new council.

Strong financial leadership, robust governance and effective stewardship of public assets are fundamental to delivering excellent local services. In East Surrey, we are creating a new council from the ground up, and we are looking for an exceptional executive leader to help shape its future.

Local government in Surrey is being reshaped for the first time in more than 50 years. From April 2027, East Surrey Council will become a new unitary authority serving around 560,000 residents, bringing together vital local services under one organisation with a budget of up to £700m. This is a rare opportunity to help build a new council while leading one of the most strategically important corporate portfolios in local government.

As Executive Director Finance, Governance and Assets and Statutory Section 151 Officer, you will play a pivotal role in establishing the financial, governance and organisational foundations of the new authority. As a member of the Corporate Leadership Team, reporting directly to the Chief Executive, you will help shape the council's long‑term vision, ensure its financial sustainability and build the confidence of residents, members, partners, auditors and regulators.

East Surrey is a place of strong communities, distinctive towns and villages, thriving businesses and significant opportunity. With excellent transport connections, internationally recognised employers, outstanding natural environments and ambitious regeneration plans, it offers an exciting environment in which to lead and influence place-based outcomes for residents and communities.

The new authority will inherit a complex mix of financial arrangements, assets, contracts, systems and governance frameworks. Your challenge will be to bring these together into a coherent, resilient and high‑performing organisation. You will lead the development of a financially sustainable operating model, ensuring resources, governance, commercial activity and assets are aligned to support the council's ambitions and deliver long‑term public value.

Your portfolio will encompass strategic finance, corporate governance, risk and assurance, legal and democratic services, commercial strategy, procurement and contract management, as well as strategic asset management and estate transformation. A significant early priority will be understanding, rationalising and optimising the council's inherited asset base, ensuring it supports service transformation, community benefit and financial resilience.

As the council's statutory Chief Finance Officer, you will fulfil the responsibilities of the Section 151 Officer, providing independent professional advice, challenge and assurance to elected members and senior leaders. You will ensure robust financial management, sound governance and effective stewardship of public resources while supporting ambitious transformation and organisational change.

We are seeking an accomplished executive leader with substantial experience across complex corporate resource functions within local government or similarly large, complex and publicly accountable organisations. You will bring a strong track record of financial stewardship, organisational transformation, commercial leadership, asset management and delivering sustainable outcomes at scale.

You will possess expert knowledge of local government finance and governance, alongside the professional credibility, judgement and influence required to operate at the most senior levels. Full membership of a recognised CCAB accountancy body, or equivalent qualifications and experience capable of meeting statutory requirements, is essential.

Collaborative, politically astute and highly credible, you will build trusted relationships with elected members, partners, regulators, auditors and stakeholders. Most importantly, you will be inspired by the opportunity to create a modern, ambitious and sustainable organisation that delivers excellent services, maintains public trust and secures long‑term value for East Surrey's communities.

This is a career-defining opportunity to shape a new council, establish its financial and governance foundations, and leave a lasting legacy for residents, communities and businesses across East Surrey.

For a confidential discussion contact [e-mail] or [e-mail] .

Closing Date: Sunday 22 nd November 2026

Company: East Surrey

Salary: £153,592 - £168,952

Location: East Surrey, Surrey

Sector: Corporate Services

Sector: Corporate Management Team

Sector: Finance

Job Role: Director

Job Role: Executive Director