Join us in shaping Ipswich’s future. We are passionate about making a real difference for our residents, our communities and our local economy. As a forward-thinking organisation, we are proud to provide a strong voice for Ipswich while delivering the essential services people rely on every day. Our Corporate Strategy, Proud of Ipswich, sets out our ambition to champion our community and revitalise our town and we’re determined to make that vision a reality. We are on an ambitious journey and as part of this, there is an exciting opportunity for a proactive, passionate and positive Head of Finance to bring financial expertise and leadership to the Organisation. Reporting to the Council’s Assistant Director, Finance and working closely with our Director of Resources, you will lead our experienced Financial Planning and Technical Finance functions. Ipswich Borough Council is also preparing for Local Government Reorganisation (LGR), a once-in-a-generation transformation in how local services are delivered across Suffolk. This role will be critical in maintaining strong financial management and resilience throughout this period of change, ensuring the Council is well-positioned for a sustainable future. You will lead the Council’s technical finance function, ensuring robust, strategic, and compliant financial operations. Key responsibilities include:

Providing strategic leadership on statutory accounting, treasury management, taxation, and financial compliance. Acting as a principal financial advisor to the Council, Executive, Committees, and senior managers. Leading the closure of accounts, production of the Statement of Accounts, and liaison with External Audit. Line managing the Finance Manager and providing strategic direction to the Technical, Treasury, Insurance, Income and Payments team. Identifying and leading opportunities for innovation, compliance improvements, and risk mitigation. Maintaining up-to-date knowledge of relevant legislation and standards.

We’re looking for qualified finance professionals (CIPFA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) with:

Strong leadership and people management skills. A track record of delivering high-quality financial services in a complex organisation. Excellent communication and influencing skills. A proactive, collaborative approach to problem-solving and innovation. Highly organised and agile, with the ability to adapt quickly in a changing environment.

Experience in local government or a similar public sector environment is highly desirable. As well as a good salary, we offer a career average pension scheme, generous holiday and sick pay entitlements, relocation assistance, subsidised parking for work and leisure, public transport discounts, free swimming and gym membership, cycle purchase scheme, plenty of personal and professional development opportunities, flexible working, hybrid working opportunities, an employee assistance programme and the opportunity to work with great colleagues. For the right candidate, the role may include designation as the Council’s Deputy Section 151 Officer. Where this applies, an additional allowance of £5,000 will be provided to reflect these statutory responsibilities. Early applications are encouraged as we reserve the right to interview candidates who meet the essential criteria prior to the closing date and / or to close the opportunity to applicants once we receive sufficient applications. Please download the Job Description and Person Specification to find out more about this role: Job Description and Person Specification Applications must be made by sending a current CV, Supporting Statement of not more than 2 A4 pages and Monitoring Form to financerecruitment@ipswich.gov.uk by the deadline. For a confidential discussion, contact Tamsin Malone, Assistant Director of Finance Email Tamsin.malone@ipswich.gov.uk Mobile 07880 936366 Closing deadline: 19th April 2026 Face to face interviews: TBC Useful Documents:

Corporate Plan, strategies and policies | ipswich.gov.uk Statement of Accounts Medium Term Financial Plan LGR: Case for Change

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