Director of Finance
This is an exceptional role, for an exceptional person in the most exceptional place.
“There are many adverts for Directors of Finance, but what makes this role distinctive is the scale of Torbay's ambition. The breadth of opportunity, complexity and visibility is exceptional. Few local government finance roles offer the same combination of strategic influence, regeneration opportunity and visible impact on place, whilst doing it in a place which provides an amazing quality of life. ”Anne-Marie Bond, Chief Executive
A message from Anne-Marie Bond
Dear candidate,
There has never been a better time to join our leadership team here at Torbay Council. There is a lot to keep us busy!
I can’t think of a time when we have seen so much investment in Torbay. The regeneration taking place across our towns is unprecedented. The opportunity to be a part of a team who will leave a lasting legacy for our residents and visitors is truly significant.
In 2024 we won the LGC Most Improved Council Award, something that has meant so much to all of us who work here. It’s a testament to how our leadership team work together. We can constructively challenge each other because we know that everything we do is based on trust and how we support each other. We all have the same goal in mind, to see a healthy, happy and prosperous Torbay. Our size makes us agile and it’s a place where you can make things happen quickly.
We are looking for someone who can demonstrate significant knowledge and understanding of local authority finances but also be capable of leading our future financial and budgetary strategies making sure creative and innovative solutions are used to make sure that every penny counts.
Should you wish to have a chat about the role, please do get in touch by calling 01803 207374.
We are Torbay Council.
About the area
Torbay – the English Riviera – occupies a prime position on the south coast of Devon. It is a fantastic place to live, work and visit, offering an unrivalled quality of life for individuals and families. Torbay is made up of the three coastal towns of Torquay, Paignton and Brixham, each with a unique character. Our population is more than 135,000 making it the second largest urban area in Devon, Cornwall and Somerset.
We have a stunning natural environment with 22 miles of coastline. There is great access to the sea from a number of harbours and beaches with our communities also enjoying the benefits of an urban style of living.
Our coastline provides countless opportunities for outdoor activities. In the summer months you’ll always see plenty of activity: swimming, boating, kayaking, paragliding to name but a few. And if a more steady pace appeals to you then there’s plenty of opportunity to try your hand at fishing or just take in the stunning views on the South West Coast Path.
In addition, access to the countryside, Dartmoor and more remote parts of the county could not be easier. A new road infrastructure gives fast and reliable access to all parts of the UK, including Exeter and Bristol airports.
Our rich geological, historical and cultural heritage has gained and retained international recognition as a UNESCO Global Geopark since designation in 2007. Other jewels in the Torbay’s crown include Agatha Christie, Torre Abbey, a wonderful food and drink offer, many tourist attractions and a busy events calendar, including the Annual English Riviera Air Show and sailing events.
With a constant influx of visitors there is a fantastic range of restaurants and cafes to cater to all tastes. Unsurprisingly, there is plenty of fresh seafood on offer and we are known as England’s Seafood Coast.
We have high quality, high performing primary and secondary schools and South Devon College is recognised as one of the top further education colleges in England, with aspirations of achieving university status.
Whilst tourism and fishing will always be a central part of the local economy, that’s not the full picture. Torbay hosts globally significant technology businesses operating in photonics, marine industries, nanotechnology and medi-tech. That high-tech economy is central to our mission - to become a council that supports, enables and empowers its residents, its communities and its partnerships.
About the role
Becoming our Finance Director is a great career move for a leader who has an expansive portfolio of working in a finance and corporate leadership role.
You will provide strategic leadership and management across our Finance Directorate, leading our future financial and budgetary strategies, ensuring that creative and innovative solutions are deployed to improve the use of resources and achieve value for money.
- To fulfil the role of statutory Chief Financial Officer of the Council, in accordance with s.151 Local Government Act 1972, ensuring robust arrangements for the proper administration of the Council’s financial affairs are in operation and comply with all relevant legal, professional and regulatory standards.
- To provide strategic management and direction for the administration of Council Tax and Business Rates. Maximising the income available to the Council whilst improving and maintaining high quality services for our residents.
- To maximise value and service outcomes from the Council’s asset portfolio consisting of circa 800 diverse assets. Ensuring that assets are appropriately managed and maintained to include relevant disposals and re-investment programmes.
- As a Member of the Senior Leadership Team this role takes collective and shared responsibility for the effective leadership and corporate management of the Council’s services and delivery of improved outcomes,
- To positively promote and represent the Council, supporting the Chief Executive and other senior leaders to manage the Council – driving performance, effectiveness, and efficiency.
Anticipated outcomes:
To develop and lead the Council’s future financial and budgetary strategies in an integrated manner, aligned to the Council’s Corporate Plan and strategies, ensuring the short-term achievability, affordability and cost effectiveness of the Council’s overall revenue budget and capital programme as well as ensuring its medium and long term stability and sustainability.
- To be the Council’s lead financial advisor and ensure provision of timely and pragmatic financial advice which is solutions driven and incorporates a thorough understanding and assessment of risk.
- The provision of clear professional advice, support and critical challenge to enable the strategic development of a more commercial focus across the Council.
- Ensuring that the Council’s interests are protected in companies over which the Council has a controlling or shareholding interest, through appropriate corporate governance arrangements.
- The role will identify opportunities to deliver the Council’s strategic agenda and find means of realising the full value of those opportunities through direct action, securing the necessary resources, adapting policy, commissioning, and community and partner action.
- The Director will play a lead role, with the Chief Executive, in ensuring that the Council is an active partner in the Southwest, and will be engaged in all initiatives and opportunities that emerge from regional and national collaboration.
- As a Senior Leader in the Council, the role will support the continued improvement of our cultural aspirations, role modelling and embedding our values, driving engagement and innovation, and promoting diversity and inclusion.
- Providing support for the Chief Executive in providing strategic advice to Members and ensuring the efficient and effective Finance Directorate operations of the Council.
This a key role to our leadership team and a highly visible role. You will be contributing towards the corporate management and leadership of the Council as a member of our Senior Leadership Team. You will be our lead financial advisor and ensure the provision of timely and pragmatic financial advice which is solutions driven and incorporates a thorough understanding and assessment of risk.
We expect that you’ll already have extensive senior management experience as a finance lead and you can demonstrate how your leadership has helped build momentum behind key initiatives and provide tangible outcomes.
To learn more about this role, how to register your details and access the full role profile and details of the recruitment process see the link below.
Join us and help create thriving communities where people can prosper
You will be key to building strong and meaningful relationships with the community and oversee the provision of good quality statutory community services
What we offer
We are one of the largest employers in Torbay.
We are committed to making a difference in our community and delivering high quality, value for money services to local people. To achieve this we only recruit the best - people who are forward-thinking, adaptable and who work in a respectful and collaborative way. They have a clear customer orientated focus and always act with honesty and integrity.
In return, you will receive excellent employment terms and conditions and the opportunity to work for an organisation that recognises and values the contributions of its employees.
At Torbay, we are very proud to have a workforce that is committed and hard-working.
As our Director of Finance we can offer you the following:
- 35 days annual leave plus bank holidays and an extra day for long service
- Relocation package for the successful candidate
- A Career Average Re-valued Earnings (CARE) pension scheme through Peninsula Pensions
- Commitment to a good Work/Life Balance with options including a career break scheme, hybrid working, flexible retirement and the ability to purchase additional annual leave
- Family friendly benefits such as flexible working and access to childcare vouchers, paid maternity, adoption and paternity leave schemes (where eligible) and paid leave for fertility treatment
- Equal Opportunities policies including Equal Pay
- A range of Employee wellbeing support initiatives including access to Counselling with a healthy work environment that puts employee wellbeing initiatives at the heart of all we do
- Employee Discounts Scheme - online and in-store access to a range of local and national discounts exclusively for our employees
- Professional support including coaching and mentoring
- A commitment to Continuing Professional development
- Discounted Employee Car Parking Scheme
Ready to play a major role in shaping the future of our organisation?
This is a chance to bring your expertise to every aspect of Torbay Council at an exciting and pivotal time for the English Riviera.