Head of Corporate Finance (Deputy Section 151 Officer)
Salary: £82,789
Welcome from Kim Chequer
Thank you for your interest in joining the Finance Team at Swindon Borough Council.
Swindon is a truly special place to work. As an organisation, we are committed to our values. These principles guide the work of our front-line services and underpin the role of our Finance Team. They shape how we design our services, structures, people, technology and processes, ensuring that we operate to the highest possible standards for the benefit of our residents. It is vital that no one in Swindon is left behind, and we are determined to use our resources as effectively and responsibly as possible to achieve this.
Like many local authorities, we face significant financial pressures and the challenge of delivering more with less. However, we are meeting these challenges head on. The recent Local Government Association Corporate Peer Challenge highlighted that our Finance Team is well regarded across the organisation, recognised for its stability, strong relationships and collaborative approach. In a time of considerable change and uncertainty across the sector, this feedback was particularly encouraging.
In my time at Swindon, I have seen first-hand the respect Finance holds throughout the organisation, including at Corporate Management Team level, and the value placed on our professional advice by elected Members. Members work positively with officers, and as we navigate the ongoing challenges ahead, you will have my full support as you grow and develop your career at Swindon.
We are committed to helping our colleagues succeed and achieve their ambitions. Within the Finance Team, many colleagues have progressed into new roles, expanded their responsibilities and undertaken professional development programmes that have enhanced their careers. You will have my wholehearted encouragement and support to do the same; whether that involves working closely with elected Members, taking on new and exciting responsibilities, or developing in your role at Deputy Section 151 level.
This is a fantastic time to join Swindon Borough Council. There is real opportunity, energy and passion across the organisation, and you would be joining a team that is genuinely supportive, forward-thinking and focused on improving outcomes for our residents.
Kind regards,
Kim Chequer
Director of Finance and Audit
Section 151 Officer
Swindon Borough Council
Step into statutory leadership and make every pound count.
Swindon Borough Council is ambitious for its communities and serious about using public money well. Finance sits at the centre of that mission, providing strong governance, clear insight and trusted advice at a time of significant challenge and change across local government.
We are seeking a Head of Corporate Finance and Deputy Section 151 Officer to join our senior leadership team at a pivotal moment. This is a high‑profile statutory deputy role, offering real influence, visibility and development, with regular engagement with the Corporate Management Team and elected Members.
As Deputy Section 151 Officer, you’ll play a leading role in shaping the Council’s financial strategy and long‑term sustainability. You’ll lead the development and delivery of the Medium Term Financial Plan and annual revenue budget, ensuring financial planning is robust, transparent and aligned to our priorities. You have the opportunity to provide authoritative advice on national funding settlements, oversee corporate budget monitoring and reporting, and ensure strong financial governance across the organisation.
You will also provide oversight of the team responsible for the production of the Council’s annual accounts and compliance with statutory and professional requirements; including hold a key relationship with the council’s external auditors. Working closely with Corporate Directors, you will support the transformation of services, helping the organisation manage demand, make difficult choices and deliver affordable, resilient outcomes for residents.
This role offers a significant leadership platform. You’ll lead and develop a high‑performing corporate finance team, contribute to succession planning across the wider Finance function, and represent the Section 151 Officer at senior internal and external forums as required.
We are looking for a CCAB (or equivalent) qualified finance professional with substantial senior‑level experience, ideally within local government. You will be comfortable operating at CMT and Member level, able to communicate complex financial issues clearly, and confident in providing constructive challenge as well as support. You will bring sound professional judgement, credibility and a genuine ambition to progress further within statutory finance leadership.
Swindon offers a supportive and forward‑thinking environment where finance is respected and influential. This is an opportunity to deepen your statutory experience, position yourself for a future Section 151 role, and make a meaningful difference to the lives of Swindon’s residents.
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If you’re passionate about the exciting journey ahead and want help make a lasting impact on Swindon’s public health services and residents, then we look forward to hearing from you. For a confidential discussion about the role, please contact our recruitment partners at Tile Hill:
Bella Bennett: 07918 976494, bella.bennett@tile-hill.co.uk
Dylan Craven: 07442 408861, dylan.craven@tile-hill.co.uk
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Closing date: Midnight Sunday 7th June
Longlist Meeting (no candidate involvement): Thursday 11th June
Preliminary/Technical Interviews (virtual): Monday 15th June
Shortlist Meeting (no candidate involvement): Wednesday 17th June
Assessment Centre/Final interview process (in Swindon): W/c 22nd June