Chief Financial Officer Full Time

• Chief Financial Officer (CFO) – Wiltshire Police
• Location: Devizes, Wiltshire
• Salary: £85,245 – £90,273
• Contract Type: Full-Time, Permanent

About Us:

Wiltshire Police is at a pivotal point in its journey, dedicated to making Wiltshire a safer place for everyone. As we embark on the next phase of our transformational corporate strategy, we are seeking a dynamic and experienced Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to join our Chief Officer Team. This is a unique opportunity to shape the financial future of Wiltshire Police and make a significant impact on policing services across the region.

The Role:

As the Chief Financial Officer, you will be the principal financial adviser to the Chief Constable, playing a critical role in both strategic and operational decision-making. Reporting directly to the Chief of Corporate Services (CCS), you will lead a dedicated finance team, manage a gross revenue budget of approximately £150M, and ensure that all financial matters align with the statutory duties set out under relevant legislation, including the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 and the Local Government Finance Act 1988.

This role requires a visionary leader who can navigate the complexities of public sector finance while driving forward Wiltshire Police’s ambitious goals. You will work closely with the Police and Crime Commissioner’s (PCC) CFO to align financial strategies and ensure the effective use of resources across the organisation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Financial Leadership: Lead and develop the Force’s financial strategy, ensuring rigorous budgetary control and value for money.
• Strategic Collaboration: Work in partnership with the PCC’s CFO to deliver a cohesive and strategic financial plan that supports both the Force and PCC objectives.
• Transformational Change: Drive and support key change programmes linked to the Force’s corporate strategy, ensuring financial processes and policies promote efficiency and effectiveness.
• Compliance & Governance: Ensure compliance with statutory duties, maintaining robust governance frameworks, and leading the internal audit function.
• Team Management: Lead and inspire the finance team, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including the Joint Independent Governance, Audit and Risk Committee, and external auditors.

About You:

The successful candidate will be a seasoned finance professional with a strong background in managing large, complex budgets within a politically sensitive environment. You will have a proven track record of strategic financial planning, treasury management, and delivering successful change programmes. Your experience will include:

• A degree or equivalent professional experience, alongside a CCAB qualification.
• At least five years of senior financial management experience in a large Public Sector organisation.
• In-depth understanding of the statutory duties of a Section 151 officer and the financial environment within which policing operates.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to manage and motivate a diverse team.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to present complex information to a range of stakeholders.
• Experience in public sector procurement and commercial negotiation is desirable.

Why Join Us?

Wiltshire Police offers an environment where your expertise will directly contribute to the safety and well-being of our communities. You will be part of a forward-thinking team that values diversity, innovation, and excellence. We are committed to your continuous professional development and offer opportunities to shape not just the future of our financial operations, but the broader strategic direction of Wiltshire Police.

Apply Now:

If you are ready to take on this challenging and rewarding role, we would love to hear from you. Please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your suitability for the position by Sunday 20th October

Recruitment Process Timeline:

• Closing date for applications: Sunday 20th October
• Shortlisting: Week Commencing 21st October
• Psychometric Assessment: Week commencing 28th October
• Interview Panel: Week commencing 11th November

Wiltshire Police is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals, regardless of background, and are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive working environment.