Head of Finance and Accountancy (Deputy Section 151 Officer)

Hello, I’m Theresa Channell, Service Director of Finance and Section 151 Officer at Chesterfield Borough Council. Thank you for your interest in our Head of Finance and Deputy Section 151 Officer opportunity, and for taking the time to learn more about Chesterfield, our ambitions, and the important role finance will play in our next chapter.

We are operating in a challenging financial landscape, with increasing demand for services and the need to make careful, evidence-led decisions about how we use our resources. The Head of Finance will be a close and trusted adviser to me, to our corporate leadership team and to elected members, helping us remain financially resilient while continuing to deliver the best possible outcomes for our communities.

For the successful candidate, there is a rare opportunity to work at the heart of a live transition programme, helping to protect the interests of Chesterfield, maintain strong financial stewardship, and shape the arrangements that will support high-quality, sustainable services in the future.

Just as importantly, this is a real leadership opportunity. You will be joining a finance team that is positive, committed and keen to learn, and which has already made good progress in reshaping to form a stronger business partnering model. There is still more to do, and the successful candidate will have the chance to bring stability, confidence and direction to the team, supporting colleagues to develop, strengthening our insight into services, and helping the team play an even more influential role across the Council.

We are looking for someone who can combine strong technical local government finance expertise with calm, visible and supportive leadership. Someone who enjoys developing people, can bring others with them, and is willing to be hands-on when needed. In return, you will have the opportunity to lead a capable team through a period of real change and help shape how finance supports Chesterfield now and into the new unitary future.

If you are ready to step into a senior finance leadership role at a pivotal moment for the borough and for local government across Derbyshire, I would be delighted to hear from you. Thank you, and I look forward to receiving your application.

Theresa Channell

Director of Finance (Section 151 Officer)

Lead, Manage and Inspire a Team at Chesterfield Borough Council

Chesterfield Borough Council is entering one of the most significant periods of change in its recent history. Local Government Reorganisation will reshape how services are designed, funded and delivered across Derbyshire North, and this role gives you the chance to be at the heart of those conversations. If you are ambitious, values-led and ready to make a visible contribution at a pivotal moment for the Council and its communities, this is a compelling opportunity to step forward.

As Head of Finance and Accountancy and Deputy Section 151 Officer, you will join a newly restructured finance service at a time when strong financial leadership, commercial judgement and confident partnership working will matter more than ever. The Council has moved towards a finance business partnering model, creating a stronger platform for services to make well-informed decisions and continue delivering excellent outcomes for residents and communities.

About the role

In this role, you will provide visible leadership and management across the Finance Service, working collaboratively with colleagues to support the safe, efficient and effective delivery of the Council’s vision, priorities and services. You will have the space to shape how the function operates, strengthen relationships across the organisation and help ensure finance is seen as an enabling, trusted and solutions-focused partner.

Working closely with the Director for Finance, you will help establish the plans, resources and disciplines needed to support high-quality delivery across the Council. You will bring clarity, pace and confidence to financial planning, while supporting services to respond to changing demand, rising expectations and the opportunities created through reorganisation.

You will lead the day-to-day delivery of core finance activity, including the preparation of annual and multi-year budgets, financial monitoring, specialist advice to services and completion of the annual financial statements. Just as importantly, you will be expected to lead in a way that brings people with you, creating a team culture where colleagues feel supported, motivated and inspired to perform at their best.

Local Government Reorganisation makes this a particularly distinctive career opportunity. You will help Chesterfield navigate the transition with confidence, ensuring the finance team remains focused, resilient and well-supported while the Council works towards the best possible outcomes for residents. You will also deputise for the Director for Finance in the Finance LGR group, giving you direct exposure to strategic conversations about the future shape of local government in the area. For someone with ambition, judgement and the appetite to take on greater complexity, this role offers the chance to build the experience, profile and credibility that could open up future opportunities within the new unitary authority.

About you

We are seeking a qualified accountant with an in-depth understanding of local government finance, including capital accounting, Housing Revenue Account accounting, Collection Fund accounting and treasury management. As Deputy Section 151 Officer, you will also bring a sound understanding of governance arrangements, financial stewardship and the statutory framework within local government. You do not need to have all the answers about what LGR will mean, but you will need the confidence, curiosity and professional credibility to help the Council ask the right questions and make well-evidenced decisions.

We are looking for someone who can lead, motivate and inspire a capable team through a period of change. You will set direction, build confidence and create the conditions for people to do their best work, while embedding the Council’s values in the way the service operates. You will also be comfortable building positive relationships with elected members, senior managers, external partners and Trade Unions, using those relationships to influence, challenge constructively and support good decision-making.