Leeds City Council – Chief Officer Financial Services

Salary: up to £108k

Leeds has become a city to watch.  We’re rebalancing the economics of the North of England and are gaining a national and international reputation for our commitment to good growth.  For us this means ensuring each step we take to improve the Leeds economy benefits all our residents.  Effective, long-term financial planning and management has created the foundation upon which we are building an exciting future.

Leeds is now a confident, outward facing city.  The City Council has built effective partnerships across all sectors and with our communities.  We know that our finances will be under increasing pressure in the coming years – that’s life in the public sector nowadays.  To maintain and increase the city’s momentum we need to stay on top of this; develop our next long-term plan in the face of changing legislation and policy, support key services under real pressure to meet demand, be a leading voice for the city on the national stage – influencing the debate about future funding and continue to resource city-wide priorities.

Our new Chief Officer Financial Services will bring exceptional judgement to tough decisions, honed from experience of working in or closely alongside local government (or a closely aligned public service) with exposure to advising local politicians.  As a suitably qualified accountant, you’ll be the s.151 officer and a member of the Corporate Leadership team.  Working closely with the Director of Resources and Housing, you’ll maintain our track record of stability, with a sound strategy that balances managed risk and technical creativity.  You will always want to find a solution but will know when to draw clear lines or offer alternatives if financial proposals are unsound. You’ll build credibility with politicians and partners because of your clarity, strategic capacity, relationships and the confidence you create in the future.  You’ll be astute and resourceful at all times, whether analysing a business case, a commercial investment or proposals for re-prioritising spending.  You will need to have a strategic overview but will have the technical depth and insights needed to deep dive at the drop of a hat. 

Overseeing a net budget of £513M, Leeds is the second largest unitary in England.  This role is about the evolution of our approach.  You’ll oversee all finance functions, with 308 staff.  Key priorities will be around planning for the 2020/21 financial year in light of a dynamic regulatory and policy context, building effective relationships with key partners to support joint priorities, supporting colleagues to meet increasing demand within a tight financial envelope whilst ensuring we can resource our ambitious capital programme, gaining the confidence of Members and the CLT and leading a well-respected, corporate service.

As England’s most successful City Council and a core city, we set the bar high.  Whilst the platform we offer will give our new Chief Officer Financial Services a high profile, you’ll be more excited at the chance to join one of the most exciting, forward thinking cities in the UK, bringing a relentless focus on the benefits to our people, businesses and communities.

If you’re excited by our Vision for Leeds and can make a positive impact across the city, region and nationally, speak to our advising consultants to get more insights and find out more.

To download the JD and Person Specification for this role, please fill out the form below, click “Send” and you will be taken to another webpage where you can view and save a PDF of the JD/PS.