Head of Service Finance and Customer Services

Are you a seasoned finance professional with a knack for leadership and a passion for public service? We are seeking a dynamic and experienced individual to be the Head of Service Finance and Customer Services. This pivotal role not only acts as the Deputy Section 151 Officer but also spearheads efforts to deliver exceptional service and value for money to local communities.

Tasks

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and develop the Finance and Customer Services departments, ensuring alignment with the councils' strategic objectives.
• Serve as the principal advisor on financial and customer service matters, facilitating informed decision-making.
• Collaborate with the Corporate Management Team to optimize resource utilization.
• Establish and maintain relationships with elected members, partners, stakeholders, and communities.
• Drive service improvement, manage budgets, and ensure compliance with statutory obligations.
• Innovate service delivery, ensuring continuous performance enhancement and customer satisfaction.

Requirements

Person Specification:

• A professional qualification from a UK chartered accountancy body.
• Extensive knowledge and management experience in a complex, politically sensitive environment.
• Demonstrated success in leading multi-disciplined teams through significant change.
• Adept at operating within a complex political context, earning the respect and trust of diverse groups.
• Proven track record in developing service strategies that deliver high standards and cost efficiency.
• Experience in budget management and implementing diversity to boost organizational performance.
• Commitment to personal and staff development.

Key Competences and Behaviours:

• A corporate leader with the energy and determination to develop effective joint working arrangements.
• Confident in providing professional advice, managing competing priorities, and handling a challenging workload.
• Exceptional communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively across boundaries.
• A strong commitment to delivering first-class services and motivating staff to achieve excellence.

Location: Bromsgrove District Council - Hybrid Working Arrangement (Minimum 2 days per week in the office required, with availability for community meetings in the evening 3 to 4 times a month).

Duration of Assignment: Up to 6 months with the expectation of a full-time replacement process within this period.

Working Hours: 37 hours per week.

Rate: 650 - 700 per day (Inside IR35).

Start Date: As soon as possible.

Key Responsibilities:

• Delivery of the 20/21, 21/22, and 22/23 Accounts.
• Clearance of Cash Receipting suspense backlog.
• Final stabilization of the finance recovery programme.
• Delivery of the 24/25 Medium-Term Financial Plan (MTFP).
• Restructure of Revenues & Benefits and Customer Services Teams.

Application Process:

If you are ready to take on this vital interim role and contribute to our financial and customer service excellence, please apply immediately. We are looking to fill this position as soon as possible, and your expertise will be pivotal in the continued success and stabilization of our financial operations.