Service Director Finance (S151 Officer)

FAERFIELD LIMITED; Plymouth; On-site; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A local council authority in Plymouth is seeking a qualified accountant to oversee their finance function. This pivotal role involves ensuring realistic financial plans and supporting staff at all levels. Candidates must possess public sector finance experience, strong leadership skills, and a comprehensive understanding of the CIPFA Code of Practice. The position offers the opportunity to impact the financial sustainability of Plymouth.

Qualifications

• Qualified accountant with a grasp of the CIPFA Code of Practice.
• Experience in managing a large workforce effectively.
• Demonstrated understanding of public sector finance.

Responsibilities

• Oversee a high-performing finance function.
• Support colleagues at all levels in delivering financial plans.
• Ensure plans are realistic and robustly managed.

Skills

Leadership skills

Commercial mindset

Public sector finance understanding

Education

Qualified accountant

Job description

Generations of inspirational people have left their mark on our famous city, and this is your chance to join them. We’re determined to make Plymouth one of the most vibrant waterfront cities in Europe, where an outstanding quality of life is enjoyed by everyone. The City Council plays a central and system-leading role in shaping Plymouth’s future; and while we’ve made significant progress in recent years, we know that there’s always more we can do to unlock Plymouth’s potential.

Strong and well-managed finances underpin everything we want to achieve. This role will be pivotal in overseeing a high-performing finance function, with resources deployed where they’ll make the biggest difference. It’s essential that annual (and longer-term) financial plans are realistic and robustly managed, and you’ll support colleagues at every level across the council to deliver this important responsibility. Under your leadership, the finance service will be recognised as one of the Council’s key success factors.

You must be a qualified accountant, with a comprehensive grasp of the CIPFA Code of Practice and all other relevant standards and regulations. System leadership skills, and effective management of a large workforce, are both essential. An experienced organisational leader with an impressive and varied track record, you’ll bring a distinctively commercial mindset and practical knowledge of delivering change and transformation. While your career may include some time in the private sector, candidates must demonstrate a current and sophisticated understanding of public sector finance, and experience of working collaboratively with elected members would be a definite advantage.

For more information and to apply please visit www.faerfield.co.uk/plymouth.

Please note this role closes at midnight on Sunday 4 January 2026.