Chief Financial Officer - Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) for Wiltshire and Swindon

About Us:

The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) for Wiltshire and Swindon plays a critical role in ensuring that the local policing service is effective, efficient, and responsive to the needs of the community. As part of our ongoing commitment to safeguarding and improving public safety, we are seeking an experienced and visionary Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to join our leadership team. This is a pivotal role in shaping the financial strategy and governance that supports the delivery of our policing and crime objectives.

The Role:

This is an insightful and impactful opportunity. As the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC), you will be at the pinnacle of our financial operations, ensuring transparency, robustness, and alignment with best practices. Reporting directly to the CEO of the OPCC, you will lead all financial activities, including budgeting, financial planning, treasury management, and procurement. Your strategic insights will guide the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) on financial strategies, risk management, and governance.

You will be instrumental in ensuring that our financial practices not only meet statutory requirements but also support the long-term vision of the PCC and the operational needs of Wiltshire Police.

Key Responsibilities:

Financial Leadership: Manage the OPCC's financial operations, including statutory accounts, budget setting, and compliance with financial regulations.
Strategic Financial Planning: Advise the PCC on financial strategies to achieve organisational objectives, including the management of a gross revenue budget of approximately £150M.
Financial Governance: Ensure statutory compliance to financial regulations and governance frameworks, collaborating closely with Wiltshire Police CFO.
Treasury & Capital Management: Lead the development of treasury management strategies, including capital investment plans, ensuring they are affordable, prudent, and sustainable.
Internal Audit & Risk Management: Commission and manage the internal audit function, ensuring it operates effectively and in accordance with best practices. Provide strategic advice on risk management and safeguarding of assets.
Stakeholder Engagement: Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including the Chief Constable, Joint Independent Audit Committee, and external auditors.

About You:

We are looking for a qualified member of a CCAB accountancy body, with extensive experience in managing large budgets within complex organisations. You should have a proven track record of strategic leadership, particularly in sensitive environments, and be skilled in financial planning, treasury management, and change programs.

Your experience will include:

Significant financial management experience at a senior level in a complex, multi-disciplinary environment.
Extensive knowledge of statutory duties of the Officer Local Governance Act and relevant legislation.
Strong leadership skills with a proven ability to inspire and manage teams.
Excellent communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex financial issues to a range of stakeholders.
A high degree of commitment to the principles of good governance and transparency.

Why Join Us?

This is an opportunity to make a significant impact on the financial health and governance of Wiltshire and Swindon’s policing services. You will be part of a dedicated team committed to enhancing public safety and ensuring that resources are used effectively and efficiently. We offer a flexible working environment and are committed to supporting your continuous professional development.

This vacancy will close for applications on 9:00am 28th March 2025 - however if we receive a high enough volume of applicants this may be subject to change.

We are proud of being a truly inclusive organisation who provides fair and equal consideration to all of our applicants. We encourage and welcome applications from people of all ages, genders, ethnicities, nationalities, disabilities, sexual orientation, religions or beliefs and of neuro divergence