Head of Corporate Finance and Deputy S151

Swindon Borough Council; Swindon; On-site; GBP 83,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Swindon seeks a Head of Corporate Finance and Deputy S151 to lead its finance function. The role involves shaping financial strategy, ensuring transparency, and providing expert advice to senior management. Ideal candidates will have significant experience in local government finance and strong leadership skills. This position offers an annual salary of £82,789 with benefits, and contributes directly to better public services for the community.

Qualifications

• Significant experience as a senior finance manager, preferably within local government.
• Proven experience in corporate finance, ideally within local government or the public sector.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Corporate Finance function, driving innovation and effective stewardship of public funds.
• Provide expert advice to Elected Members and Corporate Directors.
• Shape the financial future of the Council ensuring robust financial planning.

Skills

Experienced in local government finance

Leadership skills

Excellent communication

Commitment to transparency and integrity

Education

CCAB or equivalent qualification

Job description

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Head of Corporate Finance and Deputy S151

Ref: RPL000564

Salary: £82,789 p.a. plus benefits

37 hours per week

Permanent

Swindon Borough Council are on an exciting journey to transform service delivery. We want our town to be the best it can be. Our ambitious vision in the new Swindon Plan is supported by realistic transformation programmes, with the people of Swindon at their heart. Because that's who we're doing it for - the communities and businesses that make our town great. As part of the Council, you'll support a friendly local authority making decisions with real impact. It's all for better public services. Better processes. And a better quality of life, for everyone. Join us, and Swindon will be better with you.

Your next role

We are seeking an exceptional strategic leader to join our Finance and Audit senior management team, as Head of Corporate Finance and Deputy S151. The Finance and Audit directorate are at the heart of the council's transformation into a simpler, smarter, more joined-up council.

This pivotal role will shape the financial future of the Council, ensuring robust financial planning, transparent reporting, and effective stewardship of public funds.

You will lead the Corporate Finance function, driving innovation in financial management and supporting the delivery of high-quality services to residents. Working closely with Elected Members, Corporate Directors, and Directors, you will provide expert advice that underpins decision-making at the highest level.

About You

We are looking for a dynamic, forward-thinking finance professional with:

• Significant experience as a senior finance manager, preferably within local government

• Proven experience in corporate finance, ideally within local government or the wider public sector.

• Strong leadership skills, with the ability to inspire and develop high-performing teams.
• Excellent communication skills, able to translate complex financial information into clear, actionable advice.
• A commitment to transparency, integrity, and delivering positive outcomes for the community.
• CCAB or equivalent professional qualification.

You must be fluent in the English language (as a requirement of Part 7 of the Immigration Act "for the effective performance of a customer-facing role").

Your next package

Please see our Rewards and Benefits offer for more details.

As an employee, you will receive a diverse and exciting environment in which to work, encouraging creativity and innovation whilst recognising the need to support ongoing personal development and a flexible work life balance.

For Swindon to thrive in the future, we need to lay the foundations now. It's why our regeneration and transformation programmes are already underway. So, you'll be joining us at an exciting time on our journey. We'll look to you to share your knowledge, influence decisions and drive real, positive change. With your contributions, we'll achieve our vision of a prosperous, re-vitalised Swindon together. And you'll be proud to say it was made better with you.

Please see our Vision and Values page for more details.

Please see our new Swindon Plan.

Potential applicants are sometimes put off if they don't meet 100% of the requirements. We think individual experience, skills and passion make all the difference, so if you meet the majority of the criteria, we'd love to hear from you.

Your next steps

Please read the role profile, which is available in the documents section to the righthand side of the page. To submit an application for this role, select Quick Apply

As an inclusive employer, we welcome applications from a diverse range of communities, and in particular disabled people and people from ethnic minorities. Read our statement of commitment to equality & inclusion.

Read the role profile and select the Apply button where you will be redirected to the Swindon Borough Council website to complete our online application process. Clicking the 'Apply' button on this job website is not an application, you must register on the Swindon Borough Council website in order to be considered for the role.

For further information about the role please contact Kim Chequer, Director of Finance and Audit on [e-mail]

Previous applicants need not apply.

If you are experiencing technical issues submitting your application please email [e-mail]

Closing date: 14 January 2026

Interview date: 22 & 23 January 2026