Havering is seeking an experienced and accomplished finance leader to join the Council as its permanent Director of Finance.

Reporting to the Strategic Director of Resources, this is a pivotal role at the heart of the Council. You will lead a finance service of more than 100 staff, oversee core financial functions and, as Deputy Section 151 Officer, provide trusted strategic advice to Members, senior officers and partners.

Like many councils, Havering faces significant financial challenges. The decisions we make over the coming years will be critical to securing long-term financial sustainability whilst continuing to deliver high-quality services for residents.

What makes Havering distinctive is the shared commitment to financial sustainability from elected Members and the Executive Leadership Team. Financial sustainability runs throughout the Administration's 100 Day Plan and is one of the Council's key priorities. This role will be central to strengthening financial management, governance, service delivery and long-term resilience.

You will join an organisation with a strong, open and supportive culture. Professional advice is respected, constructive challenge is welcomed and leaders work collaboratively to support difficult decisions. Finance has a respected and influential voice across the Council.

As Director of Finance, you will:

Act as Deputy Section 151 Officer and support the Council's statutory financial responsibilities.
Lead the development and delivery of the Medium-Term Financial Strategy and the production of the Statutory Statement of Accounts.
Provide strategic financial advice to Members, Executive Directors and senior managers.
Drive improvements in financial management, governance, accountability and financial resilience.
Support the delivery of a regeneration and capital programme valued at more than £1 billion.
Lead a large, capable and committed finance service.

About You

You will be a CCAB qualified accountant with substantial senior leadership experience, ideally within local government or a similarly complex public sector setting. Politically aware and delivery-focused, you will combine strategic insight with strong financial grip.

Most importantly, you will be a credible and resilient leader who can build confidence, influence decision-making and help secure the Council's long-term financial future.

If you want a role where your expertise will shape major decisions, your advice will be valued and your leadership will help secure the Council's financial future, we would welcome your application.

This is an opportunity to make a lasting difference to the Council, its services and the communities we serve.

Why Havering?

Working for Havering means joining a council committed to delivering excellent services for residents. We offer:

A supportive and inclusive working environment guided by our ICARE values.
Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme.
Generous annual leave, with the option to purchase additional leave.
Extensive learning and professional development opportunities.
A comprehensive health, wellbeing and employee support programme.

We're committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from candidates who share our commitment to public service and delivering positive outcomes for residents and communities.

How to Apply

For more information about the position, please click Job Pack.

Please attach your CV and a supporting statement (maximum two sides of A4) explaining how your experience, knowledge and leadership qualities meet the requirements of the role.

Closing Date: Monday 31 August, midnight
Officer interviews: w/c 14 September/ w/c 21 September.
Member interviews: w/c 5 October

For recruitment enquiries regarding the role, please email Talent@havering.gov.uk, quoting REF 4148 Director of Finance in the subject line.

The hiring manager will be available for informal discussions about the role. Please contact Kathy Freeman, Strategic Director of Resources at Kathy.Freeman@havering.gov.uk

Additional Information

We want everyone to choose Havering. When you apply for a job with us, your application is considered on its merits regardless of your age, disability, ethnicity, faith, gender identity or sexual orientation. Our residents and service users come from all walks of life, and so do our employees. Find out what it means to Choose Havering.

The London Borough of Havering has important responsibilities for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. If you are appointed to a job that involves working with these groups, you may be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

We practice anonymised recruitment. Please ensure that you remove all personal information from any documents that you upload.