Job Description

Deputy S151 Officer

Location: West Berkshire

Contract: Temporary (3 month initial)

Rate: 700 - 725 Per Day Umbrella

Start date: ASAP

Hybrid Working

Contact: (url removed)

Job Description

Service Care Solutions is recruiting on behalf of a Local Authority in West Berkshire for a Deputy S151 Officer. The client are seeking an experienced and dynamic finance professional to lead our Financial Management, Revenues & Benefits, and Schools Finance teams. As a key member of the Finance Service Management Team, you will play a crucial role in shaping financial strategy, ensuring strong governance, and driving service improvements. This role also includes deputy s151 officer responsibilities, providing high-level financial advice to senior leaders and elected members. If you have a proven track record in financial leadership, budget management, and organisational change, we'd love to hear from you.

Main responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Financial Management, Revenues & Benefits, and Schools Finance teams, ensuring effective resource management and delivery of strategic objectives.
• Provide high-level financial advice to senior officers and elected members, ensuring sound financial governance, control, and compliance with statutory requirements.
• Oversee the development, implementation, and monitoring of financial policies, revenue collection, benefits administration, and budget setting, including the Medium-Term Financial Strategy.
• Represent the Council at senior levels, building strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including elected members, partner organizations, and the wider community.
• Identify and implement opportunities for service improvement, income generation, and collaboration to enhance efficiency, effectiveness, and customer satisfaction.

Candidate Requirements

• Fully qualified accountant with significant post-qualification experience, including management responsibility within a local authority/council.
• Proven track record of leadership in financial management, budget planning, and delivering value-for-money strategies.
• Experience in managing organisational change, implementing new structures, systems, and ways of working.
• Strong ability to analyse complex financial data, provide high-level financial advice, and develop strategic financial plans.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder engagement, and team management skills, with a commitment to customer service excellence.

If you are interested in the role, or know of anyone who may be, please contact Miraj at Service Care Solutions on (phone number removed) or email (url removed)

Service Care Solutions also offers a 250 referral bonus! So, if you know of anyone who would be perfect for this position and they are placed into work, you will receive 250 for the referral once their probationary period has been completed.