Join us as we shape the Isle of Wight's future through strong financial stewardship and system leadership.

The Isle of Wight Council is focused on building a sustainable future as we support and build thriving communities and protect our unique environmentWe are a forward-thinking local authority, putting people first and championing innovation, collaboration, and excellence in everything we do. We need a talented and experienced Service Director of Finance to join us and play a pivotal role in securing a resilient financial future for the Island. The role will also hold Deputy Section 151 Officer status working to ensure best practice in financial planning, monitoring and risk mitigation in the design and delivery of services

Our Service Director for Finance is central to ensuring the Council can continue to deliver essential services, invest wisely, and respond creatively to the unique pressures and opportunities of being a unitary island authority.

With Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) announcing that the Island will be retained as a separate unitary authority, this is the perfect time to join us to take our local directives forward. With our unique geography and distinct service needs, this announcement ensures decisions continue to be made locally and services remain tailored to our residents.

We are ready to move forward confidently, focusing on strengthening public services, supporting our economy, and championing the interests of our Island community. Join us and help secure a strong, sustainable financial future for the Isle of Wight.

The role

Reporting directly to the Strategic Director of Finance (Section 151 Officer), this is an opportunity to operate at the heart of our organisation, providing strategic and professional financial leadership at a time of significant challenge, opportunity and transformation for local government. You will provide operational oversight of the Council's financial management services, ensuring the highest standards of professional practice, governance and financial control.

You will also act as Deputy Section 151 Officer, supporting and deputising for the Strategic Director of Finance as required, working closely with elected members, the Chief Executive, Corporate Management Team and external partners. With focus on building and maintaining long-term financial sustainability, you will lead on identifying and developing opportunities that strengthen the Council's financial footing, including commercial activity, investment decisions, external funding bids and transformation initiatives.

Focus areas will include:

• lead and manage the Council's financial management services
• development and delivery of financial strategy and budget setting
• provision of strategic advice to Members, senior officers and project boards
• robust financial governance, assurance, risk management and financial oversight
• financial appraisal, due diligence and investment analysis for major strategic projects and commercial activity
• ensure financial benefits are clearly defined, understood, monitored and delivered
• financial oversight of Council-owned companies and trading activity
• champion continuous improvement, innovation and modern financial practice
• lead, develop and motivate high-performing professional finance teams
• maintain strong business continuity arrangements
• contribute to corporate emergency response arrangements

The person

We are looking for a qualified finance professional, experienced in finance leadership, with a strong track record in local government financial management who can engage, inspire and influence whilst sharing specialist knowledge in complex and politically sensitive environments.

Required skills and experience include

• relevant professional finance qualification (e.g. CIPFA or equivalent) and the capability to fulfil the role of Deputy Section 151 Officer
• local authority finance, including budgeting, financial planning, control, accounting and governance
• evidence of leading strategic financial projects, business cases and investment proposals
• strong commercial awareness and a creative, solution-focused approach to financial sustainability
• political awareness and the ability to influence and challenge at senior level
• clear commitment to developing people, championing professional standards and building inclusive, high-performing teams

We want you to challenge traditional thinking and identify risk aware, innovative solutions that enhance the potential for improvement.

This is a unique chance to take on a challenging leadership role, shaping the future of our island, in a fantastic coastal location surrounded by beauty, in a warm and welcoming community.

Join #TeamIWC and you'll also receive our staff benefits package including

• annual leave entitlement of 32 days p/a PLUS public holidays!
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• discounted Solent ferry travel
• Island bus network discount
• cycle to work scheme
• staff parking permit scheme
• salary sacrifice scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
• discounted island sports and leisure gym membership
• national and local discounts and benefits schemes

To view the job description and person specification, please scroll to the bottom of the page, tick to agree to the privacy policy, then click 'Continue to full details'.

Contacts
Sandra Jones: 07826 404091
Recruitment Timetable

Closing date
11.59pm - Thursday 13th August 2026

Longlist Meeting
Monday 24 August 2026

Technical Interviews
Wednesday 9th September 2026

Meet and Greet - Members and Group Leaders
Thursday 1st October (late afternoon - 4.30pm - 6.30pm)

Final Panel Interviews
Friday 2nd October 2026

How to Apply

• Please submit your CV along with a Supporting Statement addressing the person specification criteria, evidencing how you meet the criteria.
• Detail any employment or education gaps.
• Be ready to provide the names, positions, organisations and contact details for two referees; one should be your current or most recent employer. Referees will be contacted for those proceeding to final stages. We will always gain your permission before we contact referees.
• Let us know any difficulty you may have with the indicative timetable.
• Check that your contact details are correct before you submit.

Once you have submitted your application, you will receive an automated email confirmation. If you do not receive, please email contactus@gatenbysanderson.com