Interim Strategic Finance Transformation Lead

Essex County Council; Basildon; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Essex County Council is seeking an Interim Strategic Finance Lead to support Basildon Council on a critical financial improvement programme. The role requires strategic financial leadership, rapid delivery of controls and processes, and close collaboration with senior leaders to stabilise the overspend and plan for 2027-8.

The successful candidate will oversee budget planning, MTFS development, and transformational activities across governance, procurement and commercial income, with a proven

Qualifications

• Qualified finance professional with CCAB/CIPFA or equivalent.
• Significant senior-level financial management experience.
• Strong programme and project management capability.
• Excellent report-writing and presentation skills.
• Ability to influence and challenge senior leaders constructively.
• Strong commercial awareness and business acumen.
• Ability to work at pace and manage competing priorities.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic financial leadership across budgeting, transformation, and invest-to-save initiatives.
• Lead on budget planning, financial recovery and MTFS alignment.
• Oversee governance, procurement and contract management improvements.
• Develop and implement robust financial controls and performance measures.
• Collaborate with senior stakeholders, Members and service directors.

Education

CCAB/CIPFA or equivalent qualification

Job description

Essex County Council is seeking an Interim Strategic Finance Lead to support Basildon Council on a critical financial improvement programme. The role requires strategic financial leadership, rapid delivery of controls and processes, and close collaboration with senior leaders to stabilise the overspend and plan for 2027-8.

The successful candidate will oversee budget planning, MTFS development, and transformational activities across governance, procurement and commercial income, with a proven