Interim Service Director Finance

Interim Service Director of Finance

Location: South West (Hybrid / Remote)

Rate: £900 - £1,000 per day (Inside IR35)

Contract: 3-6 months

About the Role

We are currently seeking an exceptional Service Director of Finance on an interim basis to provide strategic leadership and ensure robust financial management across a south west council. This is a pivotal role that will shape and safeguard the Council's financial position, providing clear, expert advice to the Chief Executive, Elected Members, and Senior Leadership Team.

You'll act as the Council's Section 151 Officer, ensuring statutory financial responsibilities are met while driving innovation, efficiency, and best value for the people of the city.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the Council's financial strategy, ensuring alignment with corporate and city priorities.
• Oversee revenue and capital budgets, treasury management, and financial reporting.
• Provide expert financial advice to senior leaders and Members, influencing policy and decision making.
• Champion transformation, embedding a high performance, customer focused culture.
• Ensure strong governance, risk management, and compliance with all statutory duties.
• Develop effective partnerships regionally and nationally to secure investment and funding for the city.

About You

You'll be a qualified accountant (CIPFA, ACA, ACCA or equivalent) with extensive senior leadership experience in a large, complex organisation-ideally within local government.

• A strong grasp of CIPFA Codes, IFRS, VAT, and local authority financial frameworks.
• Proven success in strategic financial leadership, transformation, and organisational change.
• The ability to influence at the highest level, fostering collaboration across political and corporate boundaries.
• Exceptional communication skills, with the gravitas to inspire confidence and lead through complexity.

This is an opportunity to make a tangible difference - leading financial resilience and innovation in a city committed to delivering great services and sustainable growth.

If you meet the above criteria and would like to apply for this role, please email your updated CV to or call Sarah Williams on . (We offer a senior referral scheme upon successful placement of your recommendation so please do get in contact).

Our clients are passionate about creating and evolving a diverse workforce and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant. Recruiting decisions are based on your experience and skills. Any reasonable adjustments in the workplace will be fully supported during the application and hiring process.