Director of Finance (Deputy Section 151 Officer)

London Borough of Lambeth

Salary: upto £150,000 per annum incl. non contractual market supplement

Location: London (Hybrid)

Contract: Permanent | Full-Time

The London Borough of Lambeth is seeking an outstanding finance leader to join us as Director of Finance (Deputy Section 151 Officer) at a pivotal moment in the organisation’s journey. It is an opportunity to build your reputation in a high profile London Borough by using your experience and expertise to overcome its financial challenges.

With an established Corporate Director of Resources (Section 151 Officer) and Chief Executive now in post, and an ambitious Transformation Programme at the heart of our Medium-Term Financial Strategy, this role presents a rare opportunity to shape how finance operates at the centre of one of London’s most ambitious boroughs.

This is not simply a leadership role - it is a chance to fundamentally strengthen our approach to financial planning, business insight and resource management to ensure Lambeth remains financially resilient whilst delivering against the bold ambitions set out in the Lambeth 2030 Plan.

About Lambeth

Lambeth is a borough with social and climate justice at its heart.

Working alongside our residents, businesses and voluntary sector partners, we are committed to tackling inequality so that every child gets the best start in life and every resident can feel safe, thrive and belong. Delivering against this ambition requires a modern, forward-thinking finance function capable of supporting transformation at pace - and this role will be central to achieving that.

The Role

Reporting directly to the Corporate Director of Resources (Section 151 Officer), the Director of Finance will play a key corporate leadership role in shaping and delivering the Council’s financial strategy and transformation agenda.

You will lead the continued development of a high-performing, insight-led finance function - strengthening financial planning capability, improving organisational decision-making and ensuring the effective stewardship of public resources in an increasingly challenging financial environment.

As Deputy Section 151 Officer, you will support the statutory responsibilities of the S151 Officer and ensure the Council’s financial governance, reporting and control frameworks are robust, transparent and fit for the future.

Key responsibilities will include:

Leading the development and delivery of Lambeth’s Medium-Term Financial Strategy
Driving a culture of cost consciousness across the Council and its partners, including a recognition of the importance of ongoing financial sustainability for the Council.
Acting as Deputy Section 151 Officer, maintaining strong financial management and governance across the organisation.
Overseeing statutory financial reporting, including budget setting and the annual statement of accounts.
Providing strategic financial insight and challenge to Members and the Corporate Leadership Team.
Leading on the capital strategy, the capital programme and capital monitoring.
Leading a strong business partnering function that supports organisational transformation through robust financial appraisal of policy, service and investment decisions.
Putting value for money at the heart of everything the Council does through improved income generation, commercial thinking and efficient resource allocation.
Building leadership capability and fostering a high-performance culture across the finance service.
A deep understanding of local government finance, governance and statutory responsibilities
Experience of leading financial planning within a large, complex organisation
A proven ability to support and deliver financial and organisational transformation
Strong influencing and relationship-building skills at Member and senior officer level
The credibility and judgement to operate effectively within a statutory leadership environment
Tenacity and personal resilience given the financial challenges facing local government
A commitment to Lambeth’s values of equity, kindness, accountability and ambition

About You

We are seeking a CCAB-qualified finance professional with a strong track record of strategic financial leadership within a complex public sector environment, currently operating - or having recently operated - as a Deputy Section 151 Officer.

We welcome candidates who can demonstrate experience of supporting statutory financial responsibilities and contributing to corporate financial strategy, governance and organisational decision-making within a complex public sector environment.

You will bring:

Why Join Lambeth?

This is a unique opportunity to join an established senior leadership team with a clear mandate to strengthen financial resilience and support the Council through a period of significant financial challenge and transformation.

Next Steps

For a confidential discussion, please contact our recruitment partners at Allen Lane:

Jack Murphy

📞 07921 335 786

✉️ jackmurphy@allenlane.co.uk

Philippa Watkins

📞 07921 336 643

✉️ philippawatkins@allenlane.co.uk

****Interested, PLEASE CLICK HERE TO APPLY to our Recruitment Partner Allen Lane and provide your Supporting Statement and CV, explicitly evidencing how you meet the shortlist criteria marked with an ‘A’ on the job specification.: ****

Closing Date: Sunday 17 May 2026 at 23:59pm

Technical Interviews: Friday 22 May, Tuesday 26 May and Wednesday 27 May

Officer-led Stakeholder & Main Panel: Week commencing 1 June (in person)

Final Appointments Sub-Committee Panel: Week commencing 29 June (in person)

Lambeth Council is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.