Interim Chief Finance Officer (S151)

We're working with an Authority in the South West to recruit for an Interim Chief Finance Officer (S151), who willplay a pivotal role in shaping the Authorities financial future. As the Council’s key financial advisor, you will ensure sound financial management, effective governance, and the delivery of high-quality services.

Location: Devon
Set-up: Hybrid – weekly attendance preferred, ideally 2 days per week
Rate: £600 - £750 per day via umbrella inside IR35
Duration: Initial 6-month sign-off
Hours: Full-time position but will consider 4 days per week 

Responsibilities:

• Fulfil the statutory duties of the Responsible Financial Officer (s151), providing robust and effective financial leadership across all significant strategies, policies, and programmes in delivery
• Lead and prepare the Authority’s revenue and capital budget and Medium-Term Financial Plan
• Oversee the annual review and preparation of the Annual Governance Statement and Local Code of Corporate Governance
• Maintain oversight of the Assurance Framework, ensuring that core principles and requirements are embedded within the Investment and Intervention Framework
• Deliver timely, clear, and authoritative financial advice to the Chief Executive, Board, and other senior stakeholders
• Contribute to the strategic management of the Authority by helping to identify and deliver efficiency savings and scrutinising service delivery
• Safeguard the proper use of public finances, demonstrating the ability to optimise the impact of the Authority’s strategic resources
• Direct and lead the budget management process (in-year) reporting to Leadership Team and public meetings of the Audit and Governance Committee and Authority

Requirements:

• Proven Leadership: Extensive experience in senior financial management within a complex public-sector or comparable organisation, with responsibility for large-scale budgets
• Professional Expertise: CCAB or equivalent qualified accountant with deep understanding of local government finance, treasury management, and audit frameworks
• Strategic Advisor: Demonstrated ability to advise Members, the Chief Executive, and senior leaders on financial strategy, governance, and organisational design
• Collaborative Influence: Strong track record of partnership working and stakeholder engagement to deliver improved outcomes for residents and communities
• Innovation and Improvement: Evidence of driving transformation, embedding performance management, and delivering efficient, carbon-aware financial operations
  
  Should this position be of interest to you, please apply or send an email with an updated copy of your CV to gfry@venngroup.com and myself or a member of the team will give you a call to discuss further
  
  At Venn Group, we endeavour to respond to all applications However due to the volume of applications we receive, if you have not heard from us within 48 hours please assume you have been unsuccessful on this occasion