Strategic Director of Finance (Section 151 Officer) and Deputy Chief Executive Full Time

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Strategic Director of Finance (Section 151 Officer) and Deputy Chief Executive

We are seeking a visionary Strategic Director of Finance and Deputy Chief Executive to join our corporate leadership team and drive change to ensure we reach our goal of achieving a sustainable footing financially.

The role includes the duties of Section 151 Officer, working to ensure best practice in financial planning, monitoring and risk mitigation in the design and delivery of services.

“This is a pivotal leadership role at a defining moment for the Isle of Wight. The Strategic Director of Finance & Deputy Chief Executive will shape the Council’s future, providing strong financial leadership, working closely with Members and partners, and delivering sustainable outcomes for Island communities. The challenge is significant, but so is the opportunity to make a lasting impact” – Wendy Perera, Chief Executive, Isle of Wight Council

This is your opportunity to inspire change, champion financial resilience and build a sustainable future for our Island community.

With Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) announcing that the Island will be retained as a separate unitary authority, this is the perfect time to join us to take our local directives forward. With our unique geography and distinct service needs, this announcement ensures decisions continue to be made locally and services remain tailored to our residents. Our new Strategic Director of Finance and Deputy Chief Executive will have real scope and authority to implement transformation and change designed to address our financial challenges.

To succeed, you’ll need the skill and experience to navigate a complex and challenging financial environment.

Focus areas will include

• financial policy, strategy and management
• all duties as the Council’s statutory Section 151 Officer
• development and implementation of transformation and improvement plans
• management accounting and financial planning
• strategic procurement
• treasury management
• internal audit and risk assurance
• Local Government Pension Scheme

We are looking for someone who can think commercially, innovatively and creatively about how funding is best deployed to support growth

Required Skills And Experience Include

• fully qualified CCAB accountant with substantial post qualification experience.
• evidence of continuous professional development
• sound understanding of the Local Government Act 1972, specifically Section 151, and financial regulations governing local authorities
• extensive experience of development and delivery of a medium-term financial strategy for a council with a gross budget exceeding £300m
• successfully delivery of a balanced budget for multiple consecutive years despite funding reductions.
• able to direct ‘whole council transformation’ to deliver significant efficiency savings.

This is a unique chance to take on a challenging leadership role, shaping the future of our island, in a fantastic coastal location surrounded by beauty, in a warm and welcoming community.

Join And You’ll Receive Our Staff Benefits Package, Including

• Annual leave entitlement of 32 days p/a PLUS public holidays!
• Local Government pension scheme
• Discounted Solent ferry travel
• Island bus network discount
• Cycle to work scheme
• Staff parking permit scheme
• Discounted island sports & leisure gym membership
• National and local discounts & benefits schemes
• Relocation scheme of up to £8,000 may be available for some roles (subject to criteria)
• Travel allowance may be available if commuting from the mainland (subject to criteria)
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Strategic Director of Finance (Section 151 Officer) and Deputy Chief Executive

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ISLE OF WIGHT COUNCIL

South East, UK

Permanent

Published on 30 Apr 2026

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