We are seeking an accomplished and forward-thinking Finance Director (Financial Management and Strategy) to lead our core financial operations and drive robust, innovative approaches to budget management. In this influential post, you will take accountability for planning and delivering the Council’s annual budget cycle, producing timely statutory accounts, and refining our financial processes to ensure compliance with regulations and best practice. You will work at the heart of strategic decision-making, collaborating with department heads and elected Members to align financial planning with service priorities and uphold the Council’s commitment to cost-efficiency, transparency, and effective governance. A key dimension of this role involves providing expert advice on high-value projects, commercial contracts, and complex partnership arrangements. You will be expected to conduct rigorous financial modelling, oversee risk analysis, and present evidence-based recommendations that empower senior leaders to make informed decisions. By incorporating national benchmarking and performance data, you will identify trends and opportunities to secure sustainable financial outcomes for the Council, driving improvements that positively impact the quality and reliability of services delivered to our diverse communities. You will also be responsible for instilling a high-performance culture within the finance function, mentoring managers and teams to nurture professional development, and ensuring that your directorate is equipped to anticipate and respond to changes in the wider economic and policy environment. In addition to your responsibilities for day-to-day financial operations and strategic oversight, you will serve as an advocate for best practice in ethical leadership, equality, and inclusion. You will champion collaborative working methods that encourage staff engagement and challenge traditional thinking, emphasising the need for collective accountability in meeting corporate goals. This position will suit a finance professional with an impressive track record in managing large-scale budgets, delivering timely and accurate reporting, and partnering effectively with stakeholders to achieve tangible results. If you are excited by the prospect of leading a progressive, solution-focused finance service in a rapidly evolving public sector landscape, we encourage you to apply and help us shape the future for our organisation and the people we serve. For more information, please click Apply and to speak to us, please contact our search partners at GatenbySanderson - Ben Parsonage – ben.parsonagegatenbysanderson.com | 07530 578921 Duncan Collins – duncan.collinsgatenbysanderson.com | 07586 705475 Closing Date: Sunday 13th April To apply please click the Apply Now link below.