Head of Finance and Accountancy (Deputy S151 Office)

Chesterfield Borough Council is entering one of the most significant periods of change in its recent history. Local Government Reorganisation will reshape how services are designed, funded and delivered across Derbyshire North, and this role gives you the chance to be at the heart of those conversations. If you are ambitious, values-led and ready to make a visible contribution at a pivotal moment for the Council and its communities, this is a compelling opportunity to step forward.
 

As Head of Finance and Accountancy and Deputy Section 151 Officer, you will join a newly restructured finance service at a time when strong financial leadership, commercial judgement and confident partnership working will matter more than ever. The Council has moved towards a finance business partnering model, creating a stronger platform for services to make well-informed decisions and continue delivering excellent outcomes for residents and communities.
 

In this role, you will provide visible leadership and management across the Finance Service, working collaboratively with colleagues to support the safe, efficient and effective delivery of the Council’s vision, priorities and services. You will have the space to shape how the function operates, strengthen relationships across the organisation and help ensure finance is seen as an enabling, trusted and solutions-focused partner.
 

Working closely with the Director for Finance, you will help establish the plans, resources and disciplines needed to support high-quality delivery across the Council. You will bring clarity, pace and confidence to financial planning, while supporting services to respond to changing demand, rising expectations and the opportunities created through reorganisation.
 

You will lead the day-to-day delivery of core finance activity, including the preparation of annual and multi-year budgets, financial monitoring, specialist advice to services and completion of the annual financial statements. Just as importantly, you will be expected to lead in a way that brings people with you, creating a team culture where colleagues feel supported, motivated and inspired to perform at their best.
 

Local Government Reorganisation makes this a particularly distinctive career opportunity. You will help Chesterfield navigate the transition with confidence, ensuring the finance team remains focused, resilient and well-supported while the Council works towards the best possible outcomes for residents. You will also deputise for the Director for Finance in the Finance LGR group, giving you direct exposure to strategic conversations about the future shape of local government in the area. For someone with ambition, judgement and the appetite to take on greater complexity, this role offers the chance to build the experience, profile and credibility that could open up future opportunities within the new unitary authority.
 

We are seeking a qualified accountant with an in-depth understanding of local government finance, including capital accounting, Housing Revenue Account accounting, Collection Fund accounting and treasury management. As Deputy Section 151 Officer, you will also bring a sound understanding of governance arrangements, financial stewardship and the statutory framework within local government. You do not need to have all the answers about what LGR will mean, but you will need the confidence, curiosity and professional credibility to help the Council ask the right questions and make well-evidenced decisions.
 

We are looking for someone who can lead, motivate and inspire a capable team through a period of change. You will set direction, build confidence and create the conditions for people to do their best work, while embedding the Council’s values in the way the service operates. You will also be comfortable building positive relationships with elected members, senior managers, external partners and Trade Unions, using those relationships to influence, challenge constructively and support good decision-making.
 

For more information, please visit www.shapingchesterfield.co.uk
 

For a confidential discussion, please contact our retained advisors at Tile Hill, Bella Bennett 07918976494.

 

 

To apply:
To apply, please submit an up-to-date copy of your CV (three sides of A4 maximum), along with a supporting statement (three sides of A4 maximum) detailing your experience, and achievements and addressing the key criteria for the role set out on this site and using examples to demonstrate how you meet the requirements. Documents should be uploaded via our website, please include and upload the below information in two documents only. If you experience any issues whilst applying, please contact ella.vanderhook@tile-hill.co.uk

Timetable:

• Applications Closing Midnight on Sunday 20th September
• Longlisting meeting: Friday 25th September
• Preliminary interviews: w/c 28th September
• Shortlisting meeting: End of w/c 28th September
• Final Panel Process (In person): w/c 5th October

Applications must include:

• Full contact details;
• Names, positions, organisations and contact details for two referees (we will ask your permission before contacting referees);
• Details of your notice period;
• Notification of any dates when you are not available for interview.

At Tile Hill, we are committed to inclusion and accessibility. We champion and support all individuals to ensure everyone feels valued, listened to and motivated to get the very best out of each recruitment process and that processes are designed to meet the needs of individuals. If you have any specific requests and would like a confidential discussion with the Tile Hill team, then please email inclusion@tile-hill.co.uk.

If the organisation we’re representing is a member of the Disability Confident Scheme and you’d like to apply under the scheme, please mention this clearly in bold at the top of your supporting statement. If there are any adjustments that would support you during the application or interview process, please let us know.