Interim Strategic Director of Finance & Deputy Chief Executive

Designated Interim Section 151 Officer

Isle of Wight 3–4 months from mid July Public sector

You must eligable to work in UK

This is a rare and genuinely significant interim opportunity. You'll step into one of the most consequential finance roles in local government — holding statutory Section 151 responsibilities, deputising for the Chief Executive, and helping shape the financial future of an island community. It demands someone who can hit the ground running and leave things better than they found them.

Important — location commitment

Regular travel to the Isle of Wight, likely weekly, is a firm requirement of this role. Please only apply if you can commit to consistent on-island presence.

What you'll lead

Discharge of all statutory Section 151 duties — including pensions, as the council is an LGPS administering authority

Financial policy, strategy, management accounting and medium-term financial planning

Treasury management, strategic procurement, internal audit and risk assurance

Whole-council transformation, driving meaningful efficiency savings without losing sight of service quality

Deputising for the Chief Executive, including full head of paid service responsibilities and emergency decision-making

Who we need

Fully qualified CCAB accountant

Section 151 statutory knowledge

MTFS experience, £300m+ budgets

Track record of balanced budgets

Transformation & efficiency delivery

Commercial, creative financial thinking

Day rate

PAYE

£672.57 /day

Limited / Umbrella

£900.00 /day