Interim Section 151 Officer / Director of Finance
Location: Warwickshire / Midlands
Pay Rate: £645.71 per day PAYE
Gross Weekly Pay: £3,228.55 (based on five paid days)
Hours: 37 hours per week
Contract: Interim assignment until 31 March 2027, with potential extension
Working Pattern: Hybrid – 2–3 days per week on-site
The Opportunity
LYNX Employment Services are recruiting an experienced Interim Section 151 Officer / Director of Finance to provide senior financial leadership within a Midlands-based local authority.
Offering £645.71 per day PAYE, this is a high-profile executive appointment for an accomplished local government finance professional who can combine exceptional technical expertise with strong leadership, political awareness and people management skills.
The successful candidate will take responsibility for the authority's statutory financial obligations, lead the finance function and provide credible, confident advice to elected Members and senior leadership during a challenging period.
This appointment is as much about leadership and people management as it is about financial expertise.
Key Responsibilities
Statutory Financial Leadership
Act as the Council's designated Section 151 Officer, ensuring statutory financial responsibilities are fulfilled.
Provide expert financial advice to elected Members, the Chief Executive and senior leadership team.
Lead budget setting, medium-term financial planning, treasury management and year-end processes.
Maintain effective financial controls, governance, assurance and risk management arrangements.
Oversee external audit engagement and relationships with auditors and regulators.
Support the authority's financial resilience and long-term sustainability.
Finance Service Leadership
Provide strategic and operational leadership across the finance function.
Lead, motivate and develop staff, establishing a positive and accountable working culture.
Support and mentor finance managers through organisational change.
Improve financial reporting, systems, processes and service performance.
Promote continuous improvement and effective financial management.
Corporate Leadership and Stakeholder Engagement
Build productive relationships with elected Members, senior officers and external stakeholders.
Present complex financial information clearly to non-financial audiences.
Provide calm, practical advice during sensitive financial discussions.
Contribute to corporate strategy, transformation and organisational improvement.
Support effective governance, accountability and financial decision-making.
Essential Requirements
Candidates must demonstrate:
Previous experience acting as a Section 151 Officer within a local authority.
CCAB-qualified accountant – CIPFA, ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent, as specified by the client.
Significant senior leadership experience within local government finance.
Comprehensive knowledge of local authority accounting, statutory responsibilities and financial governance.
Proven experience leading, managing and developing finance teams.
Strong political awareness and experience working with elected Members.
Experience advising Chief Executives and senior leadership teams.
Excellent communication, influencing and stakeholder management skills.
The ability to remain calm, decisive and credible under pressure.
A proven track record of providing effective financial leadership during periods of change.
The Ideal Candidate
You'll be an established local government finance leader who can quickly assess organisational priorities, establish credibility and provide confident direction.
Alongside your technical expertise, you'll bring the emotional intelligence and management capability needed to support staff, build trust and provide stability during a demanding period.
Why Apply?
£645.71 per day PAYE.
£3,228.55 gross weekly pay, based on five paid days.
Senior statutory leadership appointment.
Hybrid working with 2–3 days per week on-site.
Interim assignment with potential extension.
Opportunity to influence financial strategy, governance and organisational improvement.
Apply Today
If you're an experienced Section 151 Officer looking for your next interim executive appointment, we'd welcome a confidential conversation.
Contact Elliott at LYNX Employment Services.
Telephone: (phone number removed)
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