About Arun District:

Arun District, located on the picturesque south coast of West Sussex, is bordered by Chichester to the west, Horsham to the north, and Worthing and Adur to the east. The northern half of the district lies within the stunning South Downs National Park (SDNP).

Our district boasts miles of beautiful coastline, vibrant towns, parishes, and villages, and a diverse community of people and businesses. Discover more about our district's population and attractions at Sussex by the Sea.

Why Join Us:

This is an exciting time to become part of Arun District Council. We are embarking on major change projects that will drive our progress and ensure the vitality of the council. We have ambitious goals for our organisation, and every member of our staff plays a crucial role in delivering our vision, values, and objectives.

We are dedicated to making a difference for those who live, work, and visit Arun, and you could be that difference. Each role and employee at Arun is integral to our ambitious 2022-2026 Council Vision, 'A Better Future'

About the Role:

As the Head of Finance, you will:
 Lead and manage the Finance Department, ensuring a professional, technical, and innovative financial function that meets the needs of the Council and its services.
 Provide a robust financial governance framework and deputise for the Section 151 Officer.
 Act as a Senior Finance Business Partner to Group Heads, the Council Leadership Team, Members, and external parties including Internal and External Auditors, Government departments, HMRC, Insurers, and Banks.
 Attend committee meetings to present Finance Reports or act as the Senior Finance Officer, deputising for the S151 Officer as needed.
 Oversee the Finance Department's operations, managing resources, and reporting on a combined budget of approximately £100 million, covering a workforce of 400+ employees, 50+ members, 23 wards, and a population of around 160,000.
 Shape and define service delivery standards for others to follow.

About You:

We are looking for a candidate who meets the following criteria:
 Qualified accountant with full membership of a UK chartered accountancy body (Essential)
 Experienced finance leader with strong financial and commercial skills (Essential)
 Substantial experience as a Section 151 Officer or Deputy Section 151 Officer (Desirable)
 Proven track record of establishing a performance culture and demonstrating continuous improvement (Essential)
 Extensive experience in financial management and budget planning, including setting and managing budgets for service groups (Essential)
 Analytical approach to financial issues with the ability to provide clear, reasoned conclusions and recommendations (Essential)
 Excellent communication skills to explain complex financial issues tactfully and diplomatically (Essential)
 Strong leadership, change management, and strategic thinking abilities to lead teams and manage change effectively (Essential)

Apply:

For more information about the role, please refer to our dedicated recruitment site or contact Jack Murphy at Allen Lane for a confidential discussion at jackmurphy@allenlane.co.uk or 07921 335 786.

To apply, please submit your CV and a supporting statement (no more than 2 pages) explaining why you are interested in this role, what you can bring to it,  and highlighting your relevant experience and suitability. Send your application to jackmurphy@allenlane.co.uk. 

Closing Date: 12 January 2025 at 23:59

Equal Opportunity:

We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer, supporting the guaranteed interview scheme for disabled and ex-armed forces candidates who meet the essential criteria for the role.

Join Arun District Council and be part of shaping a better future for our community.