Epping Forest District Council
Service Director – Finance and Deputy Section 151 Officer
Salary: £88,000 Plus Market Supplement
About Us
At Epping Forest District Council, we are dedicated to delivering high-quality services that create a meaningful and lasting impact on the lives of our residents. Our well-run, high-performing finance team is at the heart of everything we do. We take pride in consistently balancing our budget and maintaining the lowest council tax in Essex. Over recent years, we have transformed our finance function into a modern, dynamic service area designed to support our Service Leaders, Elected Members, and the community while tackling the challenges facing the public sector. Collaboration is central to our approach: our strong partnerships with other Essex councils ensure residents can access the support they need when they need it most. Reassurance and resilience are the cornerstones of our work.
About the Role
As our new Service Director – Finance and Deputy Section 151 Officer, you’ll have the opportunity to shape and lead this critical function with freedom and autonomy. Building on our strong foundation, your mission will be to drive process improvements, modernise our financial system, and establish our financial services as a benchmark for excellence across the sector.
Challenges lie ahead, but with them comes the chance to innovate. You will lead our efforts to enhance income generation and provide strategic financial advice across the organisation, ensuring we remain future-ready and financially robust.
In this pivotal role, you will act as the professional lead for all aspects of financial management within the Council. Your key responsibilities will include:
1. Developing and mentoring cost centre managers.
2. Ensuring strict compliance with financial reporting requirements.
3. Taking charge of corporate finance matters such as budget setting, financial monitoring, statutory reporting, and governance mechanisms.
4. Preparing the Council for the upcoming Local Government Reorganisation.
About You
We are seeking a highly motivated and qualified professional with the expertise, vision, and leadership skills necessary to drive excellence not only within the finance service but also across the organisation. The ideal candidate will be a CCAB or CIPFA-qualified accountant, with relevant management qualifications or demonstrable evidence of sustained formal management training. We want to hear about your proven experience leading and improving financial services, including planning, management, control, and reporting functions and strong track record of successfully delivering improvements in complex organisations.
As a core part of our senior leadership, you will need to have exceptional communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to inspire and influence internal and external stakeholders. As well as a strategic thinker who can provide compelling advice and drive change across an organisation. You will have the opportunity to work closely, advising our Elected Members, so experience working in a senior role within a political environment, demonstrating an ability to navigate and build consensus with elected members and other key partners is crucial.
Why Join Us?
At Epping Forest District Council, we offer more than just a role; we offer an opportunity to make a difference. You’ll be joining a team committed to innovation, collaboration, and excellence. In return for your expertise and dedication, we provide a supportive environment where you can thrive, grow, and shape the future of our finance function.
Ready to Apply?
If you’re ready to take on this exciting challenge and contribute to the continued success of Epping Forest District Council, we want to hear from you. Join us and play a key role in delivering services that truly matter to our residents.
To apply please click the Apply Now link below.
For an informal discussion, please contact our recruitment partners at Tile Hill: Bella Bennett – bella.bennett@tile-hill.co.uk (07918 976494) or Clare Connor clare.connor@tile-hill.co.uk (0161 408 0703).
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