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:

• Leading the preparation and delivery of the Authority’s revenue budget, capital programme and medium-term financial strategy.

• Ensuring the production and certification of statutory accounts and compliance with accounting standards and regulations.

• Providing strategic financial advice to Members, committees and senior leadership

• Leading treasury management, insurance, payroll and financial governance arrangements.

• Driving financial sustainability, performance improvement and transformational change.

• Managing and developing high-performing finance and procurement teams.

• Supporting effective corporate governance, audit, risk management and scrutiny arrangements.

• 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:

• A recognised CCAB accounting qualification.

• Significant post-qualification experience within a large, complex public sector organisation.

• A strong track record of leading high-performing finance and procurement functions

• Experience of presenting complex financial information to Executive Boards, senior stakeholders and elected Members.

• Excellent communication, influencing and analytical skills.

• Experience of delivering transformational change and modernising financial systems and processes.

• A compassionate and empowering leadership style with a commitment to developing people and teams.

• Strong knowledge of local government finance, accounting standards, treasury management and financial governance.

• 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:

• A highly influential executive leadership role

• The opportunity to shape strategic decision-making across the Authority

• A collaborative and supportive organisational culture

• Excellent pension and total reward package

• 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.

Click here for Guidance Document

Click here for Additional Guidance for our new E-recruitment System

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.

Appointment of Independent Person.

West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service Authority.

Localism Act 2011.

In accordance with Section 28(7) of the Localism Act 2011, the Authority is required to appoint an Independent Person. This will initially be for a two-year term of office from 1 July 2026. The role of the independent person involves giving their views on matters involving Authority Members and ethical standards issues.

Job Description.

1. To assist the Authority generally in discharging its duty to promote and maintain high standards of conduct by Elected Members.

1. To work collectively with the Monitoring Officer to determine whether elected members comply with the requirements of the Members Code of Conduct of the Authority.

2. To attend meetings of the Full Authority and its sub committees, in person at the WYFRS Headquarters in Birkenshaw, Bradford. Over the municipal year there are 20 meetings and although attendance at every meeting is not compulsory, it is recommended. Committees are usually on Friday mornings, commencing at 10:30am.

3. Whilst not a current requirement, you may be required to participate in joint arrangements with other West Yorkshire local authorities.

Skills and Competencies.

In the supporting statement section of the application form give clear examples of how you meet all of the Essential criteria below in order to be shortlisted.

Person Specification.

An Independent Person MUST:

• Live in West Yorkshire

• Be able and willing to devote the necessary time to the role

An Independent Person MUST NOT:

• Be, or have been during the last 5 years, a member or officer of the Authority or of any other local authority

• Be a relative or a close friend of member or officer of the Fire Authority.

• Be active in party politics

A person is defined by the Localism Act 2011 as a ‘relative if they are:

• The spouse or civil partner or living as if they were a spouse or civil partner;

• A grandparent;

• A lineal descendant of a grandparent;

• A parent, sibling or child;

• The spouse or civil partner of a grandparent, lineal descendant of a grandparent, or a parent, sibling or child; or

• Living with a grandparent, lineal descendant of a grandparent, or a parent, sibling or child as if they were a spouse or civil partner.

Travel and Subsistence.

The Authority will meet travel and subsistence expenses at the rates set for councillors and will also pay a small annual honorarium of £500 per annum.

A satisfactory Standard Disclosure and Barring (DBS) check is required for this role.

Closing date for all applications is Sunday 7 June.

We are an equal opportunities employer; we value and celebrate equality, diversity & neurodiversity and inclusion. We particularly welcome candidates from communities that are currently under-represented at WYFRS, including women, racially & 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.

Click here for Guidance Notes

Click here for Additional Guidance on our new E-recruitment System

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, please be advised this vacancy is only open to West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service employees.

For recruitment queries please contact Applications@westyorksfire.gov.uk