About The Role

Gosport Borough Council is seeking an experienced and forward-thinking finance professional to join its senior leadership team as Head of Finance & Deputy Section 151 Officer. This is a pivotal role, responsible for providing strategic financial leadership, ensuring robust financial governance, and supporting the delivery of high-quality services to residents.

Key Responsibilities

Lead the Council's finance function, including financial management, budgeting, treasury management, accounting, accounts payable and accounts receivable.
Support the Director of Finance by acting as Deputy Section 151 Officer and providing expert advice on financial governance, compliance and statutory responsibilities.
Lead the development and delivery of the Medium-Term Financial Strategy, annual revenue budget and capital programme.
Oversee the preparation of statutory accounts, financial reporting and external audit processes.
Provide strategic financial advice and challenge to Members, senior leaders and service managers.
Promote financial resilience, accountability, value for money and continuous improvement across the organisation.
Develop, motivate and inspire the finance team while contributing to the wider Corporate Management Team.

About You

You will be a CCAB-qualified accountant (CIPFA, ACCA, CIMA, ICAEW or equivalent) with substantial experience of working at a senior level within local government finance.

Excellent knowledge of local authority finance, treasury management and statutory accounting requirements.
Experience of leading budget setting, medium-term financial planning and year-end accounts.
A proven ability to provide strategic financial leadership and successfully manage change.
Strong leadership, communication and stakeholder management skills.
Political awareness, sound judgement and a commitment to delivering high-quality public services.

What We Offer

Competitive salary.
Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme.
Flexible and hybrid working arrangements.
The opportunity to make a significant contribution to the future success of Gosport Borough Council and the community it serves.

Join Us

If you are a strategic finance leader looking for an opportunity to influence decision-making and drive financial excellence within a forward-thinking local authority, we would like to hear from you.

How to apply

To make sure your application is above the rest, please review the “job description”, “person specification” and “how to apply” to ensure your application matches the requirements of the role. Please ensure you refer to the “how to apply” document when you complete your application as there is information in there that you need to include and evidence in your application for this role. This is really important or you are likely not to be short listed. PLEASE DO NOT JUST SUBMIT A CV.

Email your submission to [email hidden]

Closing date for receipt of completed applications 1 October 2026

Interviews will take place on the 8 and 9 October 2026