Deputy Chief Finance Officer (Deputy S.151)

We are firmly focused on shaping Buckinghamshire for current and future generations. That's why we're committed to maintaining robust and strategic financial management to ensure the delivery of high-quality services to all residents, communities, and businesses across the county., And for that, we need strong, proactive leadership. We are looking for an experienced and ambitious finance leader to join us as our Deputy Chief Financial Officer. In this role, you will be responsible for the strategic and operational management of our Central Strategic Finance service, which provides financial planning, budgeting, reporting, treasury management, and advice to the council., Working closely with Members and Corporate Management, you will contribute to the overall direction of the directorate to drive transformational change across the organisation. Your key areas of focus will include:

• Responsibility for c£2.7m Revenue Budget, c£1.2bn (gross) or c£538m net Capital programme of £666m over MTFP, TM of £171 investments and £293m of borrowing


• Serving as Deputy S151 Officer, ensuring effective member interface and briefings


• Supporting the Director of Finance and Corporate Director for Resources in delivery of high-quality strategic aims for the council


• Fostering a customer-centric culture and acting as a role model for customer engagement


• Build and management cross-partner relationships, fostering collaboration and trust


• Staying updated with trends and legislation to innovate and improve service delivery


• Challenging performance levels, managing budgets, and setting goals for significant improvements


• Making decisions based on cost-benefit analysis and taking ownership of outcomes


• Encouraging creativity, diversity, and maintaining a consultative, open approach


• Upholding integrity, embodying council values, and acting as an ambassador


• Addressing skill gaps, coach staff, and championing development opportunities


• Preparing for and responding to incidents, ensuring training and business continuity


• Performing duties in line with the Council's Constitution and policies
  
  We're looking for someone who embodies a blend of exceptional qualifications and experience. The ideal candidate will possess substantial experience in delivering financial services within a large, complex authority and the ability to work at scale. An adaptable, transparent approach is a must, and you will use your ability to influence and collaborate with council colleagues and partners to develop the culture, deliver our aspirations, and achieve the aims for Buckinghamshire., As well as providing high quality services to other areas of the Council, you could also be helping us build on the revenue which comes from our external clients. If you are ambitious, customer-focussed and bursting with new ideas, we want to hear from you.
  
  Buckinghamshire Council is a relatively new organisation that combines the strengths and expertise of the previous five councils in the county to create positive change for local people, communities, and businesses. We are firmly focused on the future and have made a clear commitment to serve residents better and to provide stronger representation for Buckinghamshire, both locally and nationally., We have a set of values, which our employees have chosen, that represent what we are - Proud, Ambitious, Collaborative and Trustworthy.


By joining Buckinghamshire Council, you can expect:

• a fair and inclusive culture


• the chance to really make a difference to those around you


• health and well-being initiatives including an Employee Assistance Programme, Mental Health First Aiders and mindfulness workshops


• a unified voice through our Employee Representative Group


• ongoing support, and the opportunity to develop and progress in your career with us


• opportunities to take part in fun activities such as fundraising and social events


At Buckinghamshire Council, we know that our biggest strength comes from the people that work for us, and that's why we're working hard to ensure we continue to be an accessible and inclusive organisation.

From dedicated staff networks overseen by our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Steering Group, to proudly standing as a Disability Confident employer, it's important to us that all our colleagues feel engaged, listened to, and valued. Our offer of flexible working empowers a productive and happy workforce and allows employees to combine work with other responsibilities and commitments.

We believe our workforce should reflect the diverse communities we service in Buckinghamshire, and are looking for like-minded individuals to join us in promoting equality, fairness, and inclusion for everyone.

Hard work and success deserves recognition. That's why we pride ourselves on the benefits we give our people. We actively encourage a good work-life balance and promote flexible and agile working arrangements. We provide discounts on various Cafés, restaurants, shops and auto enrolment onto our generous Pension Scheme. We also offer a salary sacrifice personal car lease scheme to those who are eligible and have passed their probation period. In addition to the opportunity to gain membership to Costco, we have discounted gym memberships, travel discounts with Arriva and much more.