Head of Finance & Financial Planning and Reporting

Ipswich Borough Council; Ipswich; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority is seeking two proactive Heads of Finance in Ipswich. The role involves leading financial planning and reporting functions, acting as principal financial advisor, and ensuring robust financial management during local government reorganisation. Ideal candidates will be qualified finance professionals with strong leadership skills and experience in complex organisations. Competitive salary and various benefits included, along with opportunities for professional development.

Benefits

Career average pension scheme

Generous holiday and sick pay

Flexible and hybrid working opportunities

Public transport discounts

Free swimming and gym membership

Employee assistance programme

Qualifications

• Qualified finance professionals with strong leadership skills.
• Track record of delivering financial services in complex organisations.
• Experience in local government or public sector is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and delivery of the Medium-Term Financial Plan.
• Act as principal financial advisor to the Council and Executive.
• Oversee budget monitoring and financial reporting.

Skills

Strong leadership and people management skills

Excellent communication and influencing skills

Proactive and collaborative problem-solving

Highly organized and adaptable

Education

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 평균 조직, 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 criticalਿੱਡ maintaining strong financial management and resilience throughout this period of change, ensuring the Council is well‑positioned for a sustainable future.

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.')

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, 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 tolhemtifystat the 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

মাসভ 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: [phone]

Closing deadline: 8th February 2026

Face to face interviews: 18 February 2026

Corporate Plan, strategies and policies | ipswich.gov.uk

Statement of Accounts

Medium Term Financial Plan

LGR: Case for Change