Assistant Director – Finance and Resources

Primary Purpose

To lead the Finance and Resources function across the organisation, acting as Deputy Section 73 Officer. The role ensures strategic financial planning, robust governance, and effective resource management to support the client’s regional ambitions, Including an element of oversight of the CA’s responsibilities as a Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner (PFCC) and Fire and Rescue Authority.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Finance Leadership

• Develop and oversee medium-term financial plans aligned with corporate strategies and regional priorities
• Lead budget setting, monitoring, and closure processes for the client’s General Budgets and provide oversight of and coordination of financial processes across Policing and Fire functions
• Provide strategic financial advice to senior leadership, elected members, and external stakeholders
• Ensure compliance with statutory financial regulations, including MRP and treasury management policies
• Ensure robust year-end accounting processes and oversee the preparation, publication, and audit of annual financial statements
• Develop improved coordination across the CA’s General budgets, PFCC and FRA functions, ensuring integration of policies, procedures and processes where appropriate and alignment with national frameworks and operational priorities

Governance & Assurance

• Support the Director of Resources in maintaining financial integrity and stewardship across the Authority
• Embed robust corporate governance frameworks and assurance processes across all directorates, including Police Fire and Crime
• Lead on financial risk management, internal controls, and compliance reviews
• Liaise with internal audit, and external regulators to ensure transparency and accountability

Resource Planning & Operational Oversight

• Integrate financial planning with corporate and workforce strategies to optimise resource deployment
• Oversee procurement, contract management, and value-for-money initiatives across the organisation and coordination with its emergency services functions
• Champion continuous improvement and innovation in service delivery
• Lead financial input into investment readiness, funding bids, and commercial ventures
• Support the financial aspects of the organisation’s journey towards becoming an Established Mayoral Strategic Authority and achieving “single settlement” funding
• Lead the specification and transition of the client’s General Budgets finance system onto a shared platform with policing and fire, ensuring alignment of functionality, governance, and reporting requirements

Stakeholder Engagement

• Provide expert financial support to committees, elected members, and regional partners
• Represent the client in external forums, including Local Partnerships, and government departments
• Draft public-facing financial documents, statutory notices, and inspection rights materials
• Engage with emergency services leadership to ensure financial strategies support operational effectiveness

Leadership & Management

• Lead and develop a high-performing finance team
• Support development of the client’s finance structures in line with its Target Operating Model
• Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and professional excellence
• Address capacity gaps and support organisational readiness for future funding opportunities
• Promote diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing across the directorate

Person Specification

• CCAB/CIMA qualified accountant
• CIPFA Professional Accountancy Qualification / Chartered Public Finance Accountant
• Proven experience in public sector finance leadership
• Experience in Combined Authority or multi-entity public sector governance
• Strong understanding of statutory financial frameworks
• Familiarity with CA funding challenges transport levies and regional funding mechanisms
• Experience supporting emergency services finance (Police, Fire and Rescue)
• Understanding of funding formulae and allocation methodologies for Police and Fire services
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
• Ability to lead financial planning across complex, multi-functional organisations
• Experience in M&A or commercial investment planning

Rate of Pay

PAYE: £650

Umbrella: £822

Location: County Hall, Northallerton, DL7 8AE