Build the future, be the difference

Executive Director of Finance and Assets (Section 151 Officer) | £161,239-£177,363

West Surrey Council is one of the most significant new local authorities to be created in a generation.

From April 2027, seven existing councils will come together to form a new unitary authority serving communities across Guildford, Waverley, Woking, Surrey Heath, Runnymede and Spelthorne. This is a rare opportunity to establish the financial, commercial and asset foundations of a major new council from the ground up.

Reporting to Susan Halliwell, Chief Executive, you will be West Surrey Council's statutory Section 151 Officer and a key member of the Corporate Leadership Team. You will provide executive leadership across finance, procurement and assets, while shaping the financial discipline, investment choices and resource stewardship that support the new council's long-term success.

This is more than a traditional finance role. You will bring together different financial positions, assets, systems, contracts and ways of working, creating a clear and sustainable framework for the future. You will help the organisation make difficult choices, align resources with its priorities and ensure transformation is grounded in robust financial evidence and long-term public value.

You will also lead a more strategic approach to West Surrey's assets, income and commercial activity. This means understanding where value can be created, where leakage can be reduced and how property, procurement and investment can support services, communities and the financial resilience of the council.

We are looking for:

• A professionally qualified accountant with the credibility and judgement to fulfil the statutory Section 151 Officer role.
• Significant experience of financial strategy, budget stewardship and medium-term financial planning.
• Experience of shaping strategic decisions involving assets, capital, investment or property.
• Commercial judgement across income, procurement, contracts and third-party spending.
• A strong understanding of local government finance and public-sector governance, or highly relevant transferable expertise.
• A track record of leading through transformation, integration and organisational change.
• The confidence to provide independent advice and constructive challenge in a complex political environment.
• A collaborative corporate leader who can help create a strong, sustainable and joined-up new organisation.

Why West Surrey?

Few Section 151 Officer roles offer this level of influence from the outset. You will have the opportunity to design the financial and asset framework of a new authority, rather than simply inherit it.

West Surrey is looking for a leader who can combine statutory assurance with strategic ambition: someone who can make the council's scale work, bring clarity to complex choices and ensure public resources deliver lasting value.

Build resilience. Unlock value. Help create West Surrey.

About Local Government Reorganisation

Local government in Surrey is changing to make services simpler, more connected and better able to respond to local needs. From April 2027, Surrey County Council and the existing district and borough councils will be replaced by two new unitary authorities: East Surrey and West Surrey.

West Surrey Council will bring together responsibility for essential local services including children's services, adult social care, housing, planning, highways, public health, environmental services, leisure and community services.

Alongside this, Surrey is working with government on plans to secure greater devolution and unlock new opportunities for local decision-making, investment and growth.

For a confidential discussion, contact Kembi.Coakelin@GatenbySanderson.com and Sandra.Jones@GatenbySanderson.com

Find out more at www.surreylgrhub.gov.uk

Closing date: Friday 20th November, 12pm noon

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Recruitment Timetable

How to Apply

• Please submit your CV along with a Supporting Statement addressing the person specification criteria, evidencing how you meet the criteria.
• Detail any employment or education gaps.
• Be ready to provide the names, positions, organisations and contact details for two referees; one should be your current or most recent employer. Referees will be contacted for those proceeding to final stages. We will always gain your permission before we contact referees.
• Let us know any difficulty you may have with the indicative timetable.
• Check that your contact details are correct before you submit.

Once you have submitted your application, you will receive an automated email confirmation. If you do not receive, please email contactus@gatenbysanderson.com