Head of Finance - Technical

Suffolk County Council; Ipswich; On-site; GBP 57,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Ipswich is seeking two Heads of Finance to lead financial planning and compliance. The role entails strategic leadership within a dynamic setting, overseeing financial operations in light of local government reorganisation. Ideal candidates will have a relevant finance qualification and a strong track record in managing financial services. This position offers opportunities for professional development, competitive salary, and benefits including relocation assistance and flexible working arrangements.

Benefits

Career average pension scheme

Generous holiday and sick pay entitlements

Free swimming and gym membership

Flexible working opportunities

Qualifications

• Qualified finance professional with relevant certifications.
• Strong leadership with proven experience in financial services.
• Excellent communication and influencing abilities.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership on statutory accounting and financial compliance.
• Act as a principal financial advisor to the Council.
• Lead the closure of accounts and liaise with External Audit.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Financial management

Problem-solving

Innovation

Education

CIPFA/ACCA/CIMA qualification or equivalent

Job description

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Job Description

• Ipswich Borough Council
• Address: Grafton House 15-17 Russell Road, Ipswich, Suffolk IP1 2DE
• Salary: Up to £67,853 per annum
• Hours: 37 hours per week
• Contract: Permanent
• Reference: 0576

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.

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.
• the ability to be highly organised and agile, and 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.

Useful Documents:

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

Statement of Accounts

Medium Term Financial Plan

LGR: Case for Change

To find out more

For a confidential discussion, contact Tamsin Malone, Assistant Director of Finance

Email [e-mail]
Mobile: [phone]

Please download the Job Description and Person Specification to find out more about this role.

How to apply

View online at Home - Ambition Ipswich

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 REQ01108 on your email.

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.

Closing date: 8 February 2026.

Interview date: 18 February 2026 (in person).

About the Team

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