Job description
Full Time 37 hours per week
Plan and influence the future of our County. As our new Assistant Director of Finance, you’ll play a key role in shaping and implementing the medium- and long-term strategic development and transformation of our Financial Services here at Devon County Council. You will help to develop and maintain effective and compliant accounting processes and enable the Council to use our resources as efficiently as possible.
We are looking for someone who can balance a strong understanding of local authority finance with a degree of business acumen; someone who can exert a considerable influence on the overall size, allocation, and achievement of our budgets, and make accurate estimates for the Council’s numerous income streams. This role isn’t without its challenges. In spite of a reduction in both investments and government funding, demand for our services continues to grow in an increasingly uncertain financial climate. We need an Assistant Director of Finance to provide impeccable financial planning to ensure Best Value and the ongoing sustainability of the Council’s finances.
As well as being a qualified accountant and possessing a good knowledge and understanding of local authority accounting, you will also have experience of working in the public sector. You will be experienced in managing change within a transforming team or organisation, capitalising on new opportunities, and developing a positive culture of performance management and improvement. We would also like to see a proven ability to apply innovative solutions and respond positively to changing circumstances. Strong, and highly developed strategic and operational leadership skills are a must-have for this role. As the Assistant Director of Finance for Devon County Council, you will be responsible for managing financial systems for Authority functions and the Devon Pension Fund, as well as ensuring the quality and compliance of all our accounting processes.
Our commitment
At Devon County Council we embrace the positive benefits of a diverse workforce, and we are committed to providing an environment that is inclusive and safe. We welcome applications from people who share our commitment to stop discrimination, challenge inequality and promote diversity across Devon.
We are continually looking at ways to improve as a Council to ensure all services are delivered to a high standard.
Working in Finance
Working within the Finance and Public Value team you will be part of the Senior Leadership team and involved in the future vision of Finance
- Finance as the partner
- Finance as the enabler of learning
- Finance as the Steward
Working for Devon County Council
- Flexible working opportunities
- Hybrid working
- Time off for bank holidays and public holidays
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- Employee Assistance Programme – available 24/7 to support you with personal and work life
- Relocation allowance
One of the best things about working for Devon is the opportunity to work in and make a real difference to one of the most beautiful parts of the country. Devon is one of the largest counties in the UK, and the only one to have two coastlines. It has a wonderful variety of landscapes and activities to enjoy, and it has good transport links to the rest of the Country. By working for Devon, you will be supported to make a real difference to this beautiful and vibrant county.
Devon’s two coastlines are made up of the South and North coasts. The south coast boasts the “English Riveria” of Torbay, the much sought-after South Hams area and the fascinating Jurassic coast, with plenty of opportunities to participate in a variety of water sports. The north coast is beloved by beach lovers and surfers, with Woolacombe winning best beach in the UK multiple times and being ranked as the 4th best beach in Europe. Both coasts are encompassed by the South West Coast Path, and are much loved by walkers of all levels.
In Devon we are lucky to have two of the country’s 15 National Parks. Dartmoor, with its high granite tors, ancient settlements and myths and legends makes up a sizeable part of South Devon, and in the north-east Exmoor rolls down to the coast before continuing into Somerset. Devon has a great variety of countryside, with rivers, hill ranges and forest. This makes the county a great spot for walking, mountain biking, wildlife watching and all kinds of outdoor activities.
The Cathedral city of Exeter is Devon’s County town and is where County Hall is based. This exciting city boasts independent bars and restaurants. It is also home to the popular quayside which has plenty of bars and cafes to enjoy as well as opportunities to canoe, kayak and even paddleboard. The city centre is home to two shopping centres, Guildhall and Princesshay so if you fancy a spot of retail therapy then Exeter is the place for you.
Devon has good transport links with the rest of the country. There are major rail stations in Plymouth and Exeter, with trains that can reach London within two and a half hours. There are also connecting trains to the North of the county running from Exeter to Barnstaple.
The M5 motorway runs to Exeter, and the Devon Expressway and North Devon Link Road provide excellent connections to the rest of the county. Devon is also served by Exeter Airport, recently voted the happiest in the UK, and has ferry links to the continent from Plymouth. There are also extensive cycle networks across the county, from Drake’s Trail to the Granite Way. Whatever your interest, Devon has something for everyone.
For further information please contact Angie Sinclair, Director of Finance and Public Value Tel: 01392 38 0711
Closing date:11th June 2023
Interview dates: 21st June & 22nd June 2023
- DCC embraces the positive benefits of a diverse workforce and is committed to providing an environment that is inclusive and safe. We welcome applications from people who share our commitment to stop discrimination, challenge inequality and promote diversity across Devon. More information can be found on our Equality and Diversity webpages.
- Happy to Talk Flexible Working-The Council offers flexible working arrangements in terms of when and where people work e.g. hybrid working, part-time, condensed hours etc.
- We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
- This role requires the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence and fluency in English.
- Personal data we collect from you will be processed in accordance with the Applicant privacy notice.
- For more information about Working for Devon please visit our Working for Devon page.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Salary: £72,704.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
Work Location: In person
Reference ID: REQ004811