Head of Finance

Ipswich Borough Council; Ipswich; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government organization in Ipswich is seeking two Heads of Finance to lead financial planning and management during a significant transformation period. The successful candidates will be qualified finance professionals with strong leadership skills and a proven track record in financial services. They will drive improvements, advise senior management, and oversee the financial decision-making process. This role offers a competitive salary, a pension scheme, and flexible working options.

Benefits

Career average pension scheme

Generous holiday and sick pay entitlements

Public transport discounts

Flexible working opportunities

Qualifications

• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• A track record of delivering high-quality financial services in a complex organisation.
• Experience in local government or a similar public sector environment is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and delivery of the Medium-Term Financial Plan and annual budget-setting.
• Act as a principal financial advisor to the Council and senior managers.
• Oversee budget monitoring and financial reporting for effective decision-making.

Skills

Leadership

Financial management

Communication

Problem-solving

Education

Qualified finance professionals (CIPFA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)

Job description

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.

Key responsibilities

• 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.

About You

• Qualified finance professionals (CIPFA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
• 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, relocation assistance, 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.

Applying

Early applications are encouraged as we reserve the right to interview candidates who meet the essential criteria prior to the closing date and / or to close the opportunity to applicants once we receive sufficient applications.

Please download the Job Description and Person Specification to find out more about this role: Head of Finance – Financial Planning and Reporting Job Description and Person Specification

Applications must be made by sending a current CV, Supporting Statement of not more than 2 A4 pages and Monitoring Form to [e-mail] by the deadline. Please quote REQ01107 on your email.

For a confidential discussion, contact Tamsin Malone, Assistant Director of Finance Email [e-mail] Mobile: Mobile [phone]

Closing deadline: 8th February 2026

Face to face interviews: 18 February 2026

Useful Documents

• Corporate Plan, strategies and policies | ipswich.gov.uk
• Statement of Accounts
• Medium Term Financial Plan
• LGR: Case for Change