Interim Section 151 Officer (Director of Finance)

Civic Recruitment Limited; Rugby; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Interim Section 151 Officer (Director of Finance) role based in Rugby, United Kingdom. Civic Recruitment Limited is seeking an experienced local government finance professional to lead the finance function during a critical period.

You will provide strategic financial leadership, ensure statutory compliance, and work with Members, the Chief Executive and senior leadership to deliver robust financial governance and long-term sustainability.

Qualifications

• Experience as Section 151 Officer in a Local Authority.
• CCAB-qualified accountant (CIPFA/ACA/ACCA/CIMA or equivalent).
• Senior leadership experience in Local Government Finance.
• Strong knowledge of treasury management, budgeting and financial governance.
• Proven ability to lead large finance functions through transformation.
• Experience advising elected Members and senior officers.

Responsibilities

• Act as the Council's Section 151 Officer and ensure statutory compliance.
• Lead financial strategy, budget setting, and medium-term planning.
• Oversee year-end accounts and external audit engagement.
• Develop a high-performing Finance Service and workforce.
• Engage with Members, Chief Executive and external stakeholders.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Strategic finance

Governance

Risk management

Communication

Transformation

Education

CCAB-qualified accountant

Job description

Interim Section 151 Officer (Director of Finance)

Rugby, United Kingdom | Posted on 15/10/2026

At Civic Recruitment and Limited, we know that individuals are more than just fixed expenses; they are the cornerstone of every thriving organisation. That’s why we are passionate about transforming recruitment in the public and private sectors. In the modern job market, organisations in both public and private sectors face significant workforce challenges. Public sector entities, such as local councils and central government departments, often struggle with lengthy recruitment processes, limited access to qualified candidates, and stringent budgetary and regulatory constraints. Private sector businesses, on the other hand, encounter high turnover rates, difficulties managing a mix of permanent and temporary staff, and challenges in sourcing specialised talent for niche industries. These sector-specific obstacles, coupled with the universal complexities of payroll management, create a pressing need for efficient workforce solutions. Civic Recruitment Limited addresses these challenges with innovative recruitment and payroll solutions tailored for diverse organisational needs. Recognising the critical hurdles organisations face, the company leverages its expertise to streamline processes, reduce recruitment times, and alleviate administrative burdens. With an extensive database of over 1 million pre-screened candidates, Civic Recruitment Limited is well-positioned to cater to the specific needs of both public and private sectors.

Job Description

6 Month Contract With A Local Authority

Job Purpose

To provide strategic financial leadership and fulfil the statutory responsibilities of the Council's Section 151 Officer, ensuring sound financial management, effective governance and long-term financial sustainability across the authority.

The postholder will lead the Finance function through a challenging and high-profile period, providing expert advice to Members, the Chief Executive and senior leadership teams whilst ensuring statutory compliance, robust financial controls and effective stewardship of public resources. The role requires a highly experienced local government finance professional with exceptional leadership, stakeholder management and people management skills.

As a visible and influential senior leader, the Interim Section 151 Officer will provide stability, confidence and direction across the Council, supporting organisational transformation and ensuring informed decision-making during a period of significant change.

Key Responsibilities

Statutory Leadership

• Act as the Council's designated Section 151 Officer and fulfil all statutory responsibilities.
• Ensure compliance with local government financial regulations, legislation and governance requirements.
• Provide authoritative financial advice to Members, the Chief Executive, Executive Team and senior officers.
• Lead the development and delivery of the Council's financial strategy.
• Oversee budget setting, medium-term financial planning and financial forecasting.
• Ensure effective treasury management arrangements are in place.
• Lead year-end accounts processes and statutory financial reporting.
• Maintain robust financial control, assurance and risk management frameworks.
• Ensure financial governance arrangements remain effective and compliant.
• Lead engagement with external auditors, regulators and inspection bodies.

Finance Leadership & Management

• Provide strategic and operational leadership for the Finance Service.
• Lead, motivate and develop finance teams and senior finance managers.
• Establish a high-performing culture focused on accountability, continuous improvement and service excellence.
• Support workforce development and succession planning.
• Provide clear leadership during periods of organisational change and financial challenge.
• Ensure effective performance management arrangements are in place across the service.
• Drive improvements to financial systems, reporting and business processes.

Member & Stakeholder Engagement

• Build strong and productive relationships with elected Members.
• Present complex financial issues in a clear and accessible manner.
• Support Members in understanding financial risks, opportunities and statutory obligations.
• Provide confidence and reassurance during financially challenging decision-making processes.
• Develop effective relationships with senior officers, partners and external stakeholders.
• Act as a trusted advisor on financial strategy, governance and organisational sustainability.

Strategic & Corporate Leadership

• Contribute as a member of the Council’s senior leadership team.
• Support corporate transformation, service improvement and organisational development programmes.
• Provide strategic financial insight to support Council priorities and decision‑making.
• Champion best practice in governance, accountability and financial management.
• Support the delivery of sustainable and efficient public services.

Requirements

• Previous experience acting as a Section 151 Officer within a Local Authority.
• CCAB-qualified accountant (CIPFA, ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
• Significant senior leadership experience within Local Government Finance.
• Extensive knowledge of:
  • Local Authority Finance
  • Treasury Management
  • Financial Governance
  • Budget Setting
  • Medium-Term Financial Planning
  • Local Government Accounting Requirements
  • Audit and Assurance Frameworks
• Experience operating successfully within politically sensitive environments.
• Exceptional leadership and people management skills.
• Experience leading large finance functions and senior management teams.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and influencing skills.
• Experience advising elected Members, Chief Executives and senior leaders.
• Ability to communicate complex financial matters to non-financial audiences.
• Experience leading organisations through financial and organisational challenges.
• Strong understanding of risk management, assurance and financial resilience.
• Previous Director of Finance experience.
• Experience leading finance services through transformation programmes.
• Experience within District Council environments.
• Experience managing significant financial recovery or improvement programmes.