Service Director: Finance (s.151)

Connected Local Government; Plymouth; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A local council in Plymouth is seeking a qualified accountant to oversee its finance function. The successful candidate will ensure realistic financial planning and manage a large workforce. Strong leadership and public sector finance experience are essential. This role plays a key part in delivering the council's financial strategies and transformation efforts.

Qualifications

• Must be a qualified accountant with relevant standards knowledge.
• Experience in managing large teams effectively.
• Ability to deliver change and transformation.

Responsibilities

• Oversee a high-performing finance function.
• Ensure financial plans are realistic and managed.
• Support colleagues across the council.

Skills

Qualified accountant

Leadership skills

Management of large workforce

Commercial mindset

Knowledge of public sector finance

Education

CIPFA Code of Practice knowledge

Job description

Generations of inspirational people have left their mark on our famous city, and this 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 in shaping Plymouth’s future; and while we’vemade significant progress in recent years, we know that there’s always more we cando 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 or Sean Anderson on 0121 312 3755.

Closing date: 4 January 2026.

To apply please click theApply Nowlink below.