Head of Finance

IRS Recruitment; Ipswich; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government council is seeking two Heads of Finance to provide strong financial leadership in Financial Planning and Technical roles. You will oversee financial management, lead strategic financial functions, and ensure compliance in a supportive environment. Successful candidates should have proven leadership skills and relevant qualifications (CIPFA, ACCA, CIMA). A competitive salary and benefits including a pension scheme, generous holiday, and hybrid working are offered.

Benefits

Career average pension scheme

Generous holiday and sick pay

Subsidised parking

Public transport discounts

Free swimming and gym membership

Cycle to Work scheme

Flexible and hybrid working

Employee Assistance Programme

Excellent learning and development opportunities

Qualifications

• Strong leadership and people management capability.
• Proven track record in delivering high-quality financial services in complex organisations.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead council's financial planning and reporting function.
• Provide strategic leadership on statutory accounting and financial resilience.
• Manage external audit relationships and drive compliance improvements.

Skills

Leadership

Financial management

Communication

Problem solving

Education

CIPFA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent

Job description

Overview

Head of Finance (2 Posts - Financial Planning & Technical)

Working Pattern: Monday to Friday (Hybrid (minimum 1 day per week onsite))

About Us

Join us in shaping Ipswich's future. We are passionate about making a real difference for our residents, communities, and local economy. Our Corporate Strategy, Proud of Ipswich, sets out our ambition to champion our community and revitalise our town - and we are committed to turning that vision into reality.

As part of our ambitious transformation programme, we are seeking two proactive, passionate, and positive Heads of Finance to provide strong financial leadership and expertise across the organisation.

Reporting to the Assistant Director, Finance and working closely with the Director of Resources, you will lead our Financial Planning and Reporting or Technical Finance functions.

These roles will also play a critical part in supporting the Council through Local Government Reorganisation (LGR), a once-in-a-generation change in how services are delivered across Suffolk.

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.

• Leading the development and delivery of the Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP) and annual budget.
• Acting as a principal financial advisor to Members, Committees, and senior leadership.
• Overseeing budget monitoring and management reporting.
• Line managing the Finance Manager and providing strategic direction to the team.
• Driving improvements in financial systems and processes.
• Identifying opportunities for income generation, efficiency, and cost reduction.

Head of Finance - Technical

You will lead the Council's technical finance function, ensuring strong governance, compliance, and financial resilience.

• Providing strategic leadership on statutory accounting, treasury management, taxation, and compliance.
• Acting as a principal financial advisor to Members, Committees, and senior leadership.
• Leading the closure of accounts and production of the Statement of Accounts.
• Managing external audit relationships.
• Line managing the Finance Manager and leading the Technical, Treasury, Insurance, Income, and Payments teams.
• Driving innovation, risk management, and compliance improvements.
• Maintaining up-to-date knowledge of relevant legislation and professional standards.

About You

You will be a qualified finance professional (CIPFA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) with:

• Strong leadership and people management capability.
• A proven track record in delivering high-quality financial services in complex organisations.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills.
• A proactive, collaborative, and solutions-focused approach.
• High levels of organisation, adaptability, and resilience.

Experience in local government or the wider public sector is highly desirable.

Why Join Us?

In addition to a competitive salary, we offer:

• Career average pension scheme
• Generous holiday and sick pay
• Subsidised parking
• Public transport discounts
• Free swimming and gym membership
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Flexible and hybrid working
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Excellent learning and development opportunities

You will also have the opportunity to work alongside committed colleagues in a supportive and forward-thinking environment.

Section 151 Responsibility

For the right candidate, the role may include designation as the Council's Deputy Section 151 Officer. Where applicable, an additional allowance of £5,000 per annum will be paid.