Head of Finance

Powys County Council; Llandrindod Wells; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 80,000

Job description

We’re looking for a strong, visible, and inspirational leader to join us at Powys County Council. The successful applicant will join a new and vibrant senior leadership team that is striving to make Powys a Stronger, Fairer and Greener county.

Reporting directly to the Director of Corporate Services, this role will be crucial in navigating the financial challenges across the public sector whilst maintaining strong governance and compliance standards. The successful applicant will be able to navigate the political climate and ensure councillors are supported in their decision making and understand potential risks.

The Head of Finance role will lead and direct a finance function that is fully resourced with a valued team of experts. It will drive the promotion and delivery by the whole organisation of good financial management so that public money is safeguarded at all times and used appropriately, economically, efficiently and effectively.

The role will promote and oversee the continued progression of our transformation agenda, with a new financial system being introduced in April 2026. This is pivotal to our aspiration for change and improvement as the whole council benefits from streamlined processes, improved reporting, training and cultural changes resulting in better financial acumen and decision making.

The successful candidate will manage a varied and interesting portfolio, including:

1. The Medium-Term Financial Strategy
2. Annual financial management cycle – budget setting, forecasting and year end accounts
3. Income and Awards
4. Internal Audit
5. Treasury Management, Capital and Asset Strategy
6. Commercial Services
7. Powys Pension Fund
8. Risk Management

The successful applicant should have a strong leadership background with experience in managing teams, driving improvement and delivering results. Resilience, professionalism and integrity will be essential, alongside the ability to make tough decisions and provide clear, strategic financial advice. A solution-focused approach with the ability to balance long-term financial planning with immediate operational needs is required. Demonstrable experience in delivering financial transformation and leading high-performing teams is essential, as this role is underpinned by a successful management team who are looking for continued motivation and inspiration to see the continuation of the Finance team’s success.

The Head of Finance will also be the designated Deputy S151 Officer.

We welcome applications from aspiring Section 151 officers who may feel that they need some support and development into this statutory role. The Head of Finance post reports to the Director of Corporate Services, who is an experienced Section 151 Officer having previously held the role as the Head of Finance within the Council. The Incumbent Head of Finance will be retiring in the summer and is looking forward to handing over a strong and well-regarded team to the successful applicant. Powys prides itself on investing in and developing staff and offers a supportive and collaborative working environment where individuals can thrive and achieve their aspirations.

This is a flexible worker position and therefore the Council offers the opportunity to work in an agile way to include home working. For this role, however, there will be an expectation to work in County Hall in Llandrindod Wells / other council offices for key meetings and events, estimated at 2 days per month.

The county of Powys is a great place to work and live with beautiful landscapes, green open spaces and vibrant communities. We are proud of our Welsh and cultural heritage, and you might know us too for being home to the well-known events such as the Hay and Green Man festivals and the Royal Welsh Show.

In return, we offer an excellent work-life balance with fantastic benefits – including a competitive salary, excellent annual leave entitlement, development opportunities, a relocation package, and much more.

Timetable
Closing date: 22/04/2025 at 9am

Shortlisting: 23/04/2025 / 24/04/2025

Interviews: 07/05/2025