Interim Strategic Finance Lead

My Local Government client is seeking an experienced and highly credible finance professional to lead a programme of critical financial improvement and transformation activity across the Council. This is about rapid implementation and putting in the relevant controls and processes to implement at pace. The role will work closely with the 151 and AD of finance to help us set a future budget and support rapid improvements to our overspend position. This is an exciting opportunity for an individual who can combine strategic thinking with practical delivery, bringing strong financial expertise, commercial acumen and change management experience. You will need to work with a range of key service areas. You will support activity relating to: Budget Planning and Financial Recovery Developing an overall budget planning timetable to ensure timely approval through the Council's governance framework. Leading the management of urgent financial issues that relate to budget overspends, working with services to identify and deliver mitigation plans. Introducing and managing urgent financial measures to improve financial resilience and budget performance. Supporting the development of ideas and strategies to address the Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) and ensuring alignment with wider organisational modernisation programmes. Financial Sustainability and Performance Implementing a solution and associated process to address outstanding invoices, debt management and improving collection performance. Identifying commercial opportunities and strengthening the Council's approach to commercial income, fees and charges. Identifying and assessing opportunities for investment that improve financial returns, service efficiency and value for money. Evaluating performance challenges that may require targeted investment and developing financially robust business cases. Strategic Financial Planning Providing financial oversight and analysis of regeneration programmes, investment commitments and future development proposals. Supporting financial profiling of restructuring activity, workforce planning and reviews of agency staffing arrangements, ensuring opportunities for both efficiencies and invest-to-save initiatives are fully evaluated. Governance, Procurement and Transformation Supporting the introduction and development of a Procurement Board. Supporting the work to review existing contracts, procurement pipelines and contract management arrangements to maximise value and reduce financial risk. About You You will be a qualified finance professional (CCAB/CIPFA or equivalent) with substantial experience of leading complex financial improvement programmes within a large and politically accountable organisation. You will be able to demonstrate: Essential Experience Significant senior-level financial management experience. Experience of budget recovery, financial sustainability planning and transformation programmes. Developing and delivering Medium-Term Financial Strategies. Managing financial risks, overspends and recovery plans. Leading organisational change and service transformation initiatives. Strong commercial and investment appraisal experience. Experience of working with senior stakeholders, elected Members and governance boards. Contract, procurement and commissioning knowledge. Workforce and organisational restructuring financial assessment. Essential Skills and Knowledge Excellent strategic financial planning and analytical skills. Strong programme and project management capability. Ability to influence and challenge senior leaders constructively. Strong commercial awareness and business acumen. Excellent report-writing and presentation skills. Ability to work at pace, manage competing priorities and deliver outcomes within challenging timescales. CCAB qualified This is an interim role with a rate of £700 to £800 a day inside IR35 with 2 days a week in Essex.