Are you a visionary finance leader with the strategic insight, professional credibility and leadership capability to help shape the future of a major public service organisation?
Pending the retirement of the existing postholder, an exciting opportunity has arisen to join one of the UK’s leading fire and rescue services, playing a vital role in making West Yorkshire safer. At West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (WYFRS), we believe everyone has a part to play, and we are looking for a dynamic and compassionate leader to join our team.
This is a pivotal statutory role with responsibility for ensuring the sound financial stewardship, governance and sustainability of the Authority at a time of increasing complexity and change across the public sector.
As the Authority’s Director of Finance and Procurement
, you will provide clear, impartial and professional financial advice to elected Members, the Chief Fire Officer/Chief Executive and senior leaders. You will lead the delivery of an effective, modern and forward-thinking finance and procurement service that supports our strategic priorities, influences our operating model pre and post devolution and helps us deliver excellent services to the communities of West Yorkshire.
What You’ll Do:
Reporting directly to the Chief Executive, you will be responsible for the proper administration of the Authority’s financial affairs in accordance with all relevant statutory responsibilities, including the Local Government Finance framework and the Procurement Act 2023. Key responsibilities include:
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Leading the preparation and delivery of the Authority’s revenue budget, capital programme and medium-term financial strategy.
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Ensuring the production and certification of statutory accounts and compliance with accounting standards and regulations.
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Providing strategic financial advice to Members, committees and senior leadership
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Leading treasury management, insurance, payroll and financial governance arrangements.
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Driving financial sustainability, performance improvement and transformational change.
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Managing and developing high-performing finance and procurement teams.
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Supporting effective corporate governance, audit, risk management and scrutiny arrangements.
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Representing the Authority at regional and national forums, including sector finance groups and government consultations.
What We’re Looking For:
We are looking for a collaborative, politically astute and values-driven leader who can operate confidently in a complex public sector environment. You will bring:
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A recognised CCAB accounting qualification.
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Significant post-qualification experience within a large, complex public sector organisation.
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A strong track record of leading high-performing finance and procurement functions
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Experience of presenting complex financial information to Executive Boards, senior stakeholders and elected Members.
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Excellent communication, influencing and analytical skills.
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Experience of delivering transformational change and modernising financial systems and processes.
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A compassionate and empowering leadership style with a commitment to developing people and teams.
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Strong knowledge of local government finance, accounting standards, treasury management and financial governance.
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You will also demonstrate resilience, sound judgement and a strong commitment to public service values and the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) Core Code of Ethics.
What We Offer:
This is an opportunity to make a genuine difference in one of the region’s most important public service organisations. You will play a critical role in helping the Authority remain financially resilient, innovative and responsive to the needs of our communities.
In return, we offer:
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A highly influential executive leadership role
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The opportunity to shape strategic decision-making across the Authority
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A collaborative and supportive organisational culture
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Excellent pension and total reward package
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Flexible and agile working arrangements
At WYFRS, we’re proud of our inclusive and supportive culture, and we’re looking for someone who will lead by example, embrace our values, and champion continuous learning.
The post is subject to a Standard Disclosure and Barring Service Check.
We offer an excellent package, including Local Government Pension Scheme, free parking, 37 hour flexible working week, an employee assistance programme, training and development, sports and social club and free use of gym.
Please contact Alison Wood, Director of Finance and Procurement to arrange an informal conversation at alison.wood@westyorksfire.gov.uk.
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All correspondence will usually be sent to your email account registered with the online recruitment system rather than by letter. Please check your email account regularly.
If after reading all of this information, you are interested in applying, please read the documents listed above for more details and click on 'Apply' for the application form.
Please note we do not accept CVs. If you are viewing this vacancy on ‘jobsindeed’ or other external platform, the only way to apply for this vacancy is to visit www.westyorksfire.gov.uk/careers/ and complete the application form via our online Access vacancy system.
We are an equal opportunities employer; we value and celebrate equality, diversity and inclusion. We particularly welcome candidates from communities that are currently under-represented at WYFRS, including women, racially and ethnically diverse applicants and applicants with disabilities. We can offer support and adjustments for candidates and staff who experience barriers to work that result from health conditions or Specific Learning Differences, such as dyslexia. We are a ‘Real Living Wage’ employer
West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service are committed to the safeguarding of our staff, volunteers, visitors and the community we serve. This includes protecting vulnerable adults, children and young people from potential neglect and harm. All employees must share the same commitment.