The Appointments Panel of Greenwich Council met on Thursday 05 February 2026 to consider the appointment of a Director of Finance (Deputy S151 Officer). The meeting was scheduled to determine the longlist of applicants for this significant role.

Director of Finance (Deputy S151 Officer)

The primary item on the agenda was the determination of the longlist of applicants for the position of Director of Finance (Deputy S151 Officer). This role is crucial for the council's financial management, with the post holder responsible for providing organisational leadership in managing the council's finances sustainably and in the public interest.

The job description for the Director of Finance (Deputy S151 Officer) outlines a wide range of responsibilities. These include developing the council's Medium Term Financial Strategy, influencing significant business decisions, and leading various financial functions such as Corporate Finance, Procurement, Internal Audit, and Anti-Fraud. The role also involves ensuring adherence to relevant accounting standards, codes of practice, and internal auditing standards. As the Deputy Section 151 Officer, the post holder is expected to provide strategic financial advice to directors across the organisation to support budget management and ensure the sound stewardship of the council's financial affairs.

The person specification for the role highlights the need for full membership of a professional accountancy body, preferably CIPFA¹, and a high level of understanding of local authority financial and fiduciary requirements. Essential skills include excellent influencing and interpersonal abilities, a high level of analytical skill for synthesising complex data, and the capacity to lead, manage, and motivate teams. The successful candidate would also need to demonstrate an ability to think corporately and to quickly familiarise themselves with legislative and strategic issues impacting the council's finances. Experience in managing and delivering change within a complex finance function and developing sustainable financial strategies in an environment with multiple pressures was also desirable.