Service Director: Finance (s.151)

Plymouth City Council; Plymouth; On-site; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Plymouth is seeking a qualified accountant to lead the finance function. The successful candidate will oversee financial planning and ensure robust management of resources, contributing significantly to the council's success. Applicants should have experience in public sector finance and demonstrate leadership capabilities. Closing date for applications is 4 January 2026.

Qualifications

• Must be a qualified accountant with a grasp of relevant standards.
• Demonstrated experience in finance functions.
• Effective management skills of a large workforce.

Responsibilities

• Oversee performance of the finance function.
• Support colleagues across the council.
• Ensure financial plans are robustly managed.

Skills

CIPFA Code of Practice

Financial management

Leadership

Commercial mindset

Organisational change

Education

Qualified accountant

Job description

Generations of inspirational people haveleft their mark on our famous city, andthis is your chance to join them. We’redetermined to make Plymouth one of themost vibrant waterfront cities in Europe,where an outstanding quality of life isenjoyed by everyone. The City Councilplays a central and system-leading role inshaping Plymouth’s future; and while we’vemade significant progress in recent years, we know that there’s always more wecando to unlock Plymouth’s potential.

Strong and well-managed finances underpineverything we want to achieve. Thisrole will be pivotal in overseeing a highperforming finance function, with resourcesdeployed where they’ll make the biggestdifference. It’s essential that annual (andlonger-term) financial plans are realisticand robustly managed, and you’ll supportcolleagues at every level across the council
to deliver this important responsibility.Under your leadership, the finance servicewill be recognised as one of the Council’skey success factors.

You must be a qualified accountant, with acomprehensive grasp of the CIPFA Codeof Practice and all other relevant standardsand regulations. System leadershipskills, and effective management of alarge workforce, are both essential. Anexperienced organisational leader withan impressive and varied track record,you’ll bring a distinctively commercialmindset and practical knowledge ofdelivering change and transformation. Wewelcome applications from candidatesin all sectors who can demonstrate core
competencies, skills and experience alignedto public sector finance. Experience ofworking collaboratively within a strategicgovernance structure – whether electedmembers, charitable trustees or othergovernance models – will be an advantage.

Alternatively, contactour consultants Dawn Faulkner orSean Anderson on 0121 312 3755.

Closing date: 4 January 2026.

To apply please click theApply Nowlink below.