Dudley Council is driving one of the most ambitious transformation and recovery programmes in local government. Our new Operating Model sets out a bold vision of becoming a community focused, financially resilient, collaborative, and sustainable council that delivers excellent services and supports the essential needs of our residents, businesses, and local economy.

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We are seeking an exceptional leader to join as our Associate Director - Financial Management, Revenues, Benefits & Debt Management.  You will provide strategic leadership across financial management, revenues, benefits, and debt, ensuring robust governance, strong financial stewardship, and high-quality resident focused services.

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As Deputy Section 151 Officer, you will support the S151 Officer in discharging the Council’s duties for financial stewardship, governance and probity, while taking a lead role in reshaping the Finance function to ensure it is resilient, modern, and fit for the future. 

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What you’ll lead:

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• Development and delivery of robust medium-term financial planning ensuring alignment with the Council’s strategic priorities and change/transformation programme.

• Modernising income, revenues, benefits and debt services to maximise the use of technology that drives high performance

• Delivery of a strong and effective finance business partnering model that enables effective decision making and supports transformation

• Providing strong financial planning, budget management and strategic advice to achieve longer term financial sustainability

• Designing and delivering a new financial operating model that is supported by highly skilled and knowledgeable staff

• Driving the use of technology to support effective finance systems, providing high quality and real time financial information as well as access to finance systems that are effective in their support our residents, suppliers, clients and customers

• Accelerating automation, innovation and service improvement and leading on the development and implementation of a new ERP system, aligning financial and HR data.

• Building strong internal and external partnerships and embedding a collaborative, customer focused, high-performance culture

 

What you’ll bring:

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• CCAB/CIMA qualification

• Senior leadership experience in a large, complex organisation (ideally local government)

• A track record of transformation and measurable improvement

• Deep knowledge of financial regulations, benefits and debt management

• Exceptional leadership, communication and political awareness

 

Why join Dudley?

This is a rare opportunity to influence borough‑wide outcomes, lead vital frontline services and shape the financial future of a major local authority. You’ll join a supportive, ambitious leadership team with a clear drive for excellence.

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For an informal discussion please contact Lisa Kitto, Interim Director of Resources/S151, via Louise Baugh –Louise.Baugh@dudley.gov.uk 

 

Application process

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Applications close: Tuesday 3 March 2026

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You will be redirected to the West Midlands Employers website to apply for this role. As part of your application, please submit your CV and supporting statement to your application. Your supporting statement should be in Arial, 12 font and no more than 4 pages.

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The recruitment process will be to undertake technical interviews with longlisted applicants to confirm the shortlist. Short listed candidates will be invited to assessment centres and attend final interviews. Please indicate any periods you are unavailable.