Deputy Director S151 (x2)

Think you know Slough? Think again.

Behind the headlines is a council on an unprecedented improvement journey.

We are looking for TWO Deputy Directors S151 that want to work within a rapidly changing environment which is under intense scrutiny. You will be part of the senior management team reporting to our new Section 151 officer, Adele Taylor, where you will be required to play a lead role in delivering the corporate plan, ensuring full integration with the financial plans and play a pivotal role in rebuilding the function. There should be no doubt that you will be the vanguard of ensuring the finance service operates to the highest professional and transformational standards, implementing major change and driving through a whole Council approach to high quality financial management. The function is being redesigned and recruitment of the wider team is well underway.

As Deputy Director, you will lead overall budget and accounts cycles ensuring that both are prepared to the highest standards and at pace. You will also lead on the continued development of the Council’s financial strategy and play a key role in addressing several long-standing issues facing the Council. A key part will be reviewing systems and processes to ensure compliance and meeting regulations and codes of practice.

With significant challenges come significant opportunities – for the right candidate.

We are looking for strong and decisive leaders who relish the prospect of change and making things better for our residents. As much as we value technical know-how, the right attitude and behaviours, as well as the ability to work in a fast-paced team, are crucial to the success of this role.

In our office we’re assembling the best minds in public sector reform. If that’s you, then this could be a career defining move for you.

What you'll be doing:

As a member of the council’s senior management team, to contribute proactively to the collective leadership for the council, working collaboratively with Members, services across the council, partners and stakeholders to deliver the council’s objectives and priorities.

Lead by example in modelling and embedding the council’s values and behaviours to help build a sustainable highly effective organisation and develop our reputation as a successful council delivering great value for its residents.

Provide outstanding leadership and direction to the service, driving service transformation.

Specific responsibilities:

• Lead the development and use of commercial analysis and national benchmarking to ensure that the Council utilises and embeds leading edge techniques in order to deliver best in class value for money; make a leading contribution to the Slough Finance Leadership Team to help determine the strategic direction of Slough Finance including the Medium Term Financial Planning Strategy taking into account and acting on risks and opportunities and supporting the Executive Director of Finance in realising the strategy
• Lead the provision of leading-edge commercial advice on a wide range of high profile issues, projects and programmes affecting the Council; rigorous financial and commercial modelling for significant procurements and projects; with Corporate Finance lead commercial negotiations on major projects, and providing financial and commercial advice including at key events such as Gateway Reviews
• Direct work to develop and review policies, procedures and documentation, for example, reference manuals to ensure compliance with existing and anticipated legislation, regulations and codes of practice, provide direction and advice on adherence.
• Rapidly assess the implications of all emerging and potential issues / new policies and ensure the Executive Director of Finance is promptly and fully briefed.

Our offer to you:

In this role, you will work within a rapidly changing environment which is under intense scrutiny. You will be part of a team where you will be required to play an important role in helping to deliver the corporate plan ensuring full integration with financial plans. Slough Borough Council is a challenging but rewarding place to work offering a supportive place to grow and develop your career with a real opportunity for your input to be valued and heard. You will have the opportunity to leave a legacy both within the council and community. Ambition and innovation will be required now more than ever, and you'll join a friendly and collaborative environment where you are encouraged to thrive.

With significant challenges come significant opportunities – for the right candidate.

Alongside a competitive salary, there are a range of great benefits including:

• Flexible and hybrid working options with an expectation of at least 2 days per week in the office
• Generous holiday entitlement - 26 days annual leave (not including Bank holidays), rising to 33 days after 5 years’ service.
• Generous pension scheme
• Wellbeing initiatives including cycle rides and sports tournaments amongst others.
• Our commitment to equality and diversity through a range of employee networks
• Tax - free childcare and childcare services
• Discounted car parking
• Season loan ticket - to help with the cost of your rail / bus journey to & from work.

In our office we’re assembling the best minds in public sector reform. If that’s you, then this could be a career defining move for you.

How to apply:

• Refer to both job and person specifications here
• Complete an Employment application form by clicking the highlighted link. If you have a preference for a specific role, then please do highlight this on your application form or you are also welcome to apply for both roles.
• Please upload using your most up-to-date CV and in addition, you may also upload a Cover Letter and/or Supporting Statement .
• If you are unable to apply online, please email [email protected] f or an online application form, outlining the relevant reference number.

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