Head of Finance

Deekay Technical Recruitment; England; Hybrid; GBP 63,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government organization in the United Kingdom is seeking two Heads of Finance to oversee financial planning and technical functions. Successful candidates will lead key financial processes, provide strategic leadership, and ensure compliance while managing teams. Ideal applicants will be qualified finance professionals with strong leadership and communication skills. This role offers a competitive salary along with flexible and hybrid working opportunities including generous benefits and professional development.

Benefits

Career average pension scheme

Generous holiday and sick pay entitlements

Subsidised parking

Public transport discounts

Gym membership

Flexible working opportunities

Qualifications

• Qualified finance professional (CIPFA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) required.
• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Experience in local government or similar public sector environment is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead financial planning and reporting function for the Council.
• Provide strategic leadership on statutory accounting and financial compliance.
• Act as principal financial advisor to Council and senior management.

Skills

Leadership

Financial compliance

Communication

Problem-solving

Organizational skills

Education

CIPFA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent

Job description

Head of Finance (2 Posts Financial Planning & Technical)
Salary: £63,092 - £67,853
Hybrid working (min 1 day a week onsite)

Join us in shaping Ipswich s future. We are passionate about making a real difference for our residents, our communities, and our local economy. As a forward-thinking organisation, we are proud to provide a strong voice for Ipswich while delivering the essential services people rely on every day. Our Corporate Strategy, Proud of Ipswich, sets out our ambition to champion our community and revitalise our town and we re determined to make that vision a reality.

We are on an ambitious journey and, as part of this, there is an exciting opportunity for two proactive, passionate, and positive Heads of Finance to bring financial expertise and leadership to the Organisation. Reporting to the Council's Assistant Director, Finance and working closely with our Director of Resources, you will lead our experienced Financial Planning and Technical Finance functions.

Ipswich Borough Council is also preparing for Local Government Reorganisation (LGR), a once-in-a-generation transformation in how local services are delivered across Suffolk. These roles will be critical in maintaining strong financial management and resilience throughout this period of change, ensuring the Council is well-positioned for a sustainable future.

The Roles

Head of Finance Financial Planning and Reporting

You will lead the Council s financial planning and reporting function, ensuring robust, strategic, and compliant financial management across the organisation. Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the development and delivery of the Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP) and annual budget-setting process.
• Acting as a principal financial advisor to the Council, Executive, Committees, and senior managers.
• Overseeing budget monitoring and financial reporting to support effective decision-making.
• Line managing the Finance Manager and providing strategic direction to the Financial Planning and Reporting team.
• Driving improvements in financial systems and processes to support effective financial management.
• Identifying opportunities for financial innovation, income generation, and cost reduction.

Head of Finance Technical

You will lead the Council s technical finance function, ensuring robust, strategic, and compliant financial operations. Key responsibilities include:

• Providing strategic leadership on statutory accounting, treasury management, taxation, and financial compliance.
• Acting as a principal financial advisor to the Council, Executive, Committees, and senior managers.
• Leading the closure of accounts, production of the Statement of Accounts, and liaison with External Audit.
• Line managing the Finance Manager and providing strategic direction to the Technical, Treasury, Insurance, Income and Payments team.
• Identifying and leading opportunities for innovation, compliance improvements, and risk mitigation.
• Maintaining up-to-date knowledge of relevant legislation and standards.

About You

We re looking for qualified finance professionals (CIPFA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) with:

• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• A track record of delivering high-quality financial services in a complex organisation.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills.
• A proactive, collaborative approach to problem-solving and innovation.
• Highly organised and agile, with the ability to adapt quickly in a changing environment.

Experience in local government or a similar public sector environment is highly desirable.

Why Join Us?

As well as a good salary, we offer a career average pension scheme, generous holiday and sick pay entitlements, subsidised parking for work and leisure, public transport discounts, free swimming and gym membership, cycle purchase scheme, plenty of personal and professional development opportunities, flexible working, hybrid working opportunities, an employee assistance programme and the opportunity to work with great colleagues.

For the right candidate, the role may include designation as the Council s Deputy Section 151 Officer. Where this applies, an additional allowance of £5,000 will be provided to reflect these statutory responsibilities.

Useful Documents

• Corporate Plan, strategies and policies (url removed)
• Statement of Accounts
• Medium Term Financial Plan
• LGR: Case for Change

Closing deadline: 8th February 2026
Face to face interviews: 18 February 2026