Interim Finance Director & 151 Officer (Local Govt)

The CFO HQ; Rugby; Hybrid; GBP 122,000 - 203,000; Full time

Job summary

The CFO HQ is seeking an experienced Interim Section 151 Officer (Director of Finance) for a Midlands-based district council. This on-site role requires strategic financial leadership during a high-profile period, with responsibility for statutory duties and robust governance.

The post is contract-based, 2–3 days on site per week, initial 6 months with potential extension, and a daily rate up to £1,100 inside IR35.

Qualifications

• CCAB-qualified accountant such as CIPFA, ACA or ACCA.
• Significant experience leading and managing local government finance functions.
• Strong knowledge of local authority accounting, financial management, statutory duties and governance requirements.

Responsibilities

• Fulfil statutory responsibilities of the Section 151 Officer.
• Lead budget setting, medium-term financial planning and treasury management.
• Oversee year-end processes and financial controls.
• Manage external audit engagement and relationships with auditors.
• Lead and develop the finance team and communicate complex financial information clearly.

Skills

Strategic financial leadership

People management

Communication to non-financial

Stakeholder engagement

Financial governance

Treasury management

Risk management

Education

CCAB-qualified (CIPFA/ACA/ACCA)

Qualified accountant

Job description

The CFO HQ is seeking an experienced Interim Section 151 Officer (Director of Finance) for a Midlands-based district council. This on-site role requires strategic financial leadership during a high-profile period, with responsibility for statutory duties and robust governance.

The post is contract-based, 2–3 days on site per week, initial 6 months with potential extension, and a daily rate up to £1,100 inside IR35.