Strategic Head of Finance and S151 Officer

Strategic Head of Finance and S151 Officer

Package up to £109,592

Working across the whole organisation, you’ll have strategic oversight of the financial core of the Council, including the Council’s budget and the Council’s trading companies.

As the Section 151 Officer, you will play a key role in supporting the Council through its wider journey, including preparation for Local Government Reorganisation.

You’ll provide advice and guidance to Members and colleagues on budget policy framework and have the authority to make decisions, ensuring they are all lawful and financially sound. In addition, you’ll take ownership of the final accounts process, overseeing the preparation of the statement of accounts and interpreting complex guidance.

At Sevenoaks, you’ll have the opportunity to develop your skills further by working with the Head of Internal Audit and to oversee the external audit process, ensuring that the Council works effectively and within best practice. You’ll also have the potential to hone your expertise by developing the Council's financial vision and leading on a variety of projects from a financial perspective, assessing viability.

This role will be based at our Council Offices, Argyle Road, Sevenoaks Kent TN13 1HG. We currently operate a hybrid working model for the majority of our roles where your working time will be divided between the office (3 days) and home working (2 days).

Do you want to know more about the role?

For further details on the role, please contact Adrian Rowbotham, Corporate Director of Finance and Trading on 01732 227153 or Jim Carrington-West, Corporate Director of Customer, Digital & Resources on 01732 227153

Do you want to ensure you have the best chance of being shortlisted?

Read the Job Description and Personal Specification attached to the role and ensure that your supporting statement explains how you meet the essential requirements, as your application will be judged against these criteria.

To increase your chances of being shortlisted, do not rely on the use of AI in your application – we want to hear from you about your unique experiences and how you can help us deliver exceptional services for our community.

Closing date: 24 May 2026

Interviews: w/c 1 June 2026

Equal Opportunities:
Sevenoaks – Working for Equality. We welcome applications from all sections of the community.

Sevenoaks District Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Application notes:
Please apply online. If this is not possible, please contact a member of the HR team by emailing human.resources@sevenoaks.gov.uk to discuss how we can assist you in applying.