Head of Finance

We are proud to be partnering with Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service to support them with the recruitment of an experienced, forward-thinking, and strategically minded Head of Finance to lead across their Finance, Pensions and Procurement functions. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in shaping the financial resilience, governance, and long-term sustainability of the Service.

Client Details

Shropshire Fire and Rescue is one of the UK's highest performing fire services, achieving consistently high marks in external audits.

Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service operates from 23 sites across Shropshire with it's Headquarters based in Shrewsbury.

Description

As a senior leader and Deputy Section 151 Officer, you will contribute to delivering strategic priorities, Community Risk Management Plan, and wider corporate objectives, ensuring that our financial systems, controls, and reporting frameworks remain robust, transparent, and efficient.

Key Responsibilities

Reporting to the Director of Finance & Resources (Section 151 Officer), you will:

• Provide strategic financial leadership across Finance, Pensions and Procurement.


• Lead the development and implementation of the Medium-Term Financial Plan, in-year management, budget strategy, reserves and long-term capital programme.


• Oversee statutory financial reporting, including annual accounts production, audit processes and compliance with all Codes of Practice.


• Ensure effective financial governance, internal controls, policies, regulations and business systems.


• Act as principal advisor to senior Service managers and inform governance to Fire Authority Members on financial matters, supporting informed decision-making.


• Manage and develop a high-performing team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional excellence.


• Line management responsibility of Pensions Officer, and Procurement Officer. Overseeing the delivery of an efficient and effective pensions service to current and potential members of the Firefighters' Pension Scheme and the LGPS, as well as employers and Pension Board members. In addition, the development and implementation of a purchasing and procurement function within the Finance team, which complies with legislation, policy and procedures and best practice.


• To work with the internal audit provider to develop the internal audit plan, to ensure sound financial controls across the Service and the Authority


• To provide revenue and capital estimates for consideration by the Chief Fire Officer and Treasurer and required governance

What Are We Looking For?

We are seeking an influential, collaborative and professionally credible finance leader with:

• CCAB or CIMA qualification and significant post-qualification experience.


• Proven leadership of finance teams within complex organisations.


• Strong knowledge of financial planning, budgeting, financial accounts, and governance frameworks.


• Excellent stakeholder management skills and the ability to analyse, interpret and present complex financial information.


• Experience within local government or the public sector is desirable but not essential.


• A proactive, solutions-focused mindset with the ability to work at pace and support organisational change.

• £72,240 per annum


• Benefits include: Local Government Pension Scheme , Flexible Working Hours Scheme, Paycare Health Benefits, Occupational Health Services


• Hybrid working, with typically 4 days onsite and some travel required to sites across Shropshire.


• Free on-site parking at Service Headquarters in Shrewsbury.

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