Deputy Chief Finance Officer - #2135434

This is a rare opportunity to join South Yorkshire Police as Deputy Chief Finance Officer, playing a critical role in supporting one of the country's leading police forces at a time of continued ambition and evolution. Working alongside the Chief Finance Officer, you will help shape financial strategy and influence decisions that support safer communities across South Yorkshire.

Client Details

South Yorkshire Police serves a diverse and vibrant region covering approximately 600 square miles and a population of almost 1.4 million people. With an annual budget in excess of £380 million and a workforce of over 5,000 officers and staff, the organisation plays a vital role in protecting communities and delivering essential public services across Sheffield, Barnsley, Rotherham and Doncaster.

At its core, the Force exists to prevent crime and disorder, protect vulnerable people and target those who cause the greatest harm. It is already a high-performing organisation, with clear ambitions to continue improving services, embracing innovation and delivering the best possible outcomes for the public it serves.

Finance is central to achieving those ambitions. Beyond stewardship and governance, the function plays a key role in providing insight, challenge and support to senior leaders, enabling informed decisions in an increasingly complex and financially demanding environment.

Significant investment has already been made in systems, infrastructure and capability, creating strong foundations for the future. The focus now is on strengthening financial leadership, enhancing business partnering, driving continuous improvement and ensuring finance remains a trusted adviser across the organisation.

Joining at this stage offers a genuine opportunity to influence the future direction of finance within South Yorkshire Police and contribute to the delivery of safer communities across the region.

Description

Reporting to the Chief Finance Officer, you will provide leadership across the Finance function whilst supporting the fulfilment of statutory responsibilities as Deputy S151 Officer. Leading a multidisciplinary team of approximately 40 finance professionals, you will oversee a broad portfolio that includes financial business partnering, management accounting, financial accounting, payroll, pensions, exchequer services, insurance and organisational infrastructure.

Working closely with the Chief Officer Team and senior stakeholders across the Force, you will provide expert financial advice on complex organisational decisions, support long-term financial sustainability and help ensure resources are deployed effectively to deliver the greatest possible impact for communities across South Yorkshire.

• Deputise for the Chief Finance Officer and undertake Deputy S151 responsibilities.
• Lead and develop a multidisciplinary finance team of circa 40 colleagues.
• Provide strategic financial advice to Chief Officers and senior stakeholders.
• Ensure effective financial planning, reporting and governance arrangements.
• Drive value for money, continuous improvement and organisational performance.
• Oversee business partnering, financial accounts, payroll, pensions and exchequer services.
• Support delivery of the medium-term financial strategy and capital programme.
• Build strong relationships across the Force, SYMCA and external partners.

Profile

We are seeking an accomplished and values-led finance professional who combines strong technical credibility with exceptional leadership and relationship-building skills.

You will be comfortable operating within a complex, high-profile and publicly accountable environment, balancing strategic thinking with effective operational delivery.

You will bring:

• A recognised CCAB professional accountancy qualification (CIPFA, ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)
• Significant senior finance experience within a large, complex public sector organisation
• Experience of leading and developing large high-performing teams
• Strong influencing, negotiating and stakeholder management skills
• A track record of driving change, continuous improvement and organisational performance
• Experience of developing effective partnerships to deliver robust financial management and value for money
• The ability to communicate complex financial issues clearly and credibly to a wide range of audiences
• Resilience, sound judgement and the ability to operate effectively within a demanding environment

Most importantly, you will be a collaborative leader who can build trust, bring people together and provide the insight and challenge needed to support effective decision-making at the highest levels of the organisation.

Whilst experience within policing is not essential, candidates must be able to demonstrate significant senior finance leadership experience within the public sector and a strong understanding of the governance, accountability and stakeholder landscape in which public services operate.

Job Offer

• Salary - £87,500 - £95,000 depending on experience. Please note that a pay award is currently pending and the salary for this role is expected to increase upon confirmation.
• Excellent benefits including access to the LGPS pension scheme with an employer contribution of 11.6%
• Hybrid working - 3 days a week in the office

Process and Key Dates:

• CV Application Deadline: Wednesday 30th September
• First Stage Interviews: 13th and 20th October
• Final Stage Interviews: 27th October

Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis and shortlisted candidates may be contacted before the closing date. Early applications are therefore encouraged.