Bath, permanent, full-time with hybrid working
Job description, key responsibilities and experience
Salary: Up to £105,000 per annum
Closing date: Sunday 17 August 2025
Our client, a unitary council, is seeking a strategic, ambitious and forward-thinking finance leader to join them as their new Director of Finance and statutory Section 151 Officer. This is an outstanding opportunity to take on a high-profile leadership role in one of the UK’s most distinctive and complex local authorities. You’ll join a progressive, inclusive, and politically stable council, with a strong financial foundation, a talented team, and a clear ambition to do more for both residents and communities. We welcome applications from experienced S151s and from confident deputies who are ready to step up into their first director-level role.
The Role You’ll be the most senior finance officer – responsible for all aspects of financial governance, leadership and assurance – and a key member of the Corporate Management Team, reporting to the Executive Director of Resources. You’ll lead the budget process and long-term financial strategy, drive innovation in our capital and procurement functions, and transform our approach to financial management across the organisation. Your remit will include:
- Strategic leadership of finance, procurement and capital investment.
- Oversight of a diverse income base, including a significant commercial property portfolio and wholly owned housing company.
- Driving our client’s strategic ambition for greater economic, social and environmental value from their procurement spend.
- Supporting a high-performing organisation to deliver better outcomes through smarter financial planning and service design.
Who we’re looking for
We’re seeking a finance professional with:
- A recognised accountancy qualification (e.g., CIPFA, ACCA, CIMA).
- Strong core finance skills and experience operating in a complex and political organisation.
- An appetite for transformation, innovation, and smarter investment.
- The ability to collaborate across services and build financial capability at every level.
- Experience of driving value for money through smart procurement.
- A passion for public service and the impact that good finance leadership can make.
Why join?
Our client, a UNESCO World Heritage City with vibrant towns and rural communities, is a remarkable place to live and work.
This role offers a unique chance to shape a council that is determined to modernise, invest wisely and deliver great outcomes for residents. You’ll be supported by a progressive leadership team, respected by Members, and empowered to succeed.
How to apply
To find out more or to have a confidential conversation, please contact:
Andrew Tromans – 07805 226 301, Andrew.Tromans@Penna.com or
Kelly Ridley – 07709 512 415, Kelly.Ridley@Penna.com
Apply, by visiting the Penna website.