• Salary: Up to £111,586 per annum, which includes 15% allowance for s151

With a diverse and beautiful countryside, great schools and a rich history – Worcestershire is the place to be. We are in the midst of regeneration projects worth in excess of £300m, and our Cathedral remains one of the country’s most admired attractions.

The County Council supports some of the most vulnerable people in society, has responsibility for visible public services like maintaining roads and pavements, street lighting, household waste sites, libraries and country parks to name but a few. We are focused on improving outcomes for all children, young people and families. It is our priority to ensure Worcestershire residents are healthier, live longer, have a better quality of life and remain independent for as long as possible.

We are clear on what needs to be accomplished and are now in the process of recruiting our Chief Financial Officer who will be our statutory section 151 officer. 

Our Chief Financial Officer will be able to lead on strategic direction and operational grip of finance across the Council providing creative solutions wherever possible. You will be well-grounded in financial management and will have a proven track record of delivering robust financial plans that balances the needs of the Council within the funding envelope available to it. 

As our Chief Financial Officer, you will not only ensure fiscal excellence. A member of our Strategic Leadership Team (SLT) and Chief Officer Group (COG), your decisions will more widely improve the quality of life here now, and in the future. 

This is your chance to join an ambitious and progressive Council and have real, and direct, impact on the people of Worcestershire. If you think you can drive exceptional performance, then we would like to hear from you whether you are currently operating within local government or not.

The challenge

As well as developing and rolling out strategies and corporate policies; we will look for you to build a strong commercial and risk management ethos, champion a culture of accountability and responsibility, and guide elected members on our medium term financial plan. 

You will also be responsible for around 100 staff, who handle an annual budget of over £352m. Here, the aim will be to keep close control of our finances: shaping strategy, overseeing budgets and our pension fund, and maximising our resources.

About you 

This calls for a true visionary that understands the national, regional and local pressures we face. A moderniser able to inspire key stakeholders – who can introduce innovative solutions internally, and through strong partnerships with other public, private and third sector organisations.

It goes without saying that you need a relevant degree and professional CIPFA, CIMA or ACCA status (or alternative). Whether your background is in the public or private sector; you will have managed at this level before. And, as well as being politically astute, you will thrive on the challenge of leading, improving and transforming major services. 

To Apply

Chief Financial Officer job description and person specification (PDF)

Please send your CV and supporting statement to recruitment@worcestershire.gov.uk.

If you wish to discuss this role please contact Richard Taylor, Assistant Director for HR, OD and Engagement by email: rtaylor@worcestershire.gov.uk or by phone: 01905 846021.

Closing date

11:59pm Sunday 19 March 2023

First Interview: 28 March 2023, there will be 2 interviews of 1 hour each.

Assessment: If you are successful at first interviews you will be required to complete 2 personality questionnaires. You will receive links on 29 March 2023 to book a video call with a Business Psychologist and complete the personality questionnaires. Both tests will take approximately 1 hour and will need to be completed by midnight on Sunday 3 April 2023.

You will have a 75 minute video call with a Business Psychologist to discuss your personality questionnaire results, on the 4 or 5 April 2023. 

Final Interviews:18 April 2023 (2 hours)