Chief Officer, Corporate Finance (Section 95 Officer)

The Highland Council is one of Scotland’s largest and most unique local authorities, serving communities across 26,484 square kilometres and delivering services to a population of over 238,000 people. The Council is at the heart of a region experiencing significant economic transformation, driven by major investment in renewable energy, housing, infrastructure and community development.  

With a revenue budget of £868 million and an ambitious long-term investment programme exceeding £2 billion, The Highland Council is focused on delivering sustainable growth, financial resilience and improved outcomes for communities across the Highlands. Through its Corporate Plan, Delivery Plan and Our Future Highland programme, the Council is leading an ambitious agenda of transformation and improvement.  

This is a career-defining opportunity to join The Highland Council as Chief Officer, Corporate Finance and fulfil the statutory role of Section 95 Officer. 

As a key member of the Council’s Corporate Management Team, you will provide strategic leadership across the Council’s financial affairs, ensuring robust financial planning, governance and stewardship of public resources. You will lead the Corporate Finance and Accounting function, oversee pensions responsibilities and work closely with procurement and commercial colleagues to support the delivery of the Council’s strategic priorities.  

Supporting the Chief Executive, Assistant Chief Executives and elected members, you will play a pivotal role in shaping financial strategy, driving transformation and ensuring the Council remains financially sustainable in a challenging and rapidly evolving landscape.  

• Provide strategic leadership for all aspects of the Council’s financial management and governance.  

• Fulfil the statutory responsibilities of Section 95 Officer.  

• Lead the Corporate Finance and Accounting function, including annual accounts, budgeting, treasury management, taxation, pensions and financial compliance.  

• Support the delivery of the Council’s Medium Term Financial Plan, Highland Investment Plan and wider transformation agenda.  

• Provide high-quality strategic advice to the Chief Executive, Corporate Management Team and elected members.  

• Drive continuous improvement, innovation and best value across the organisation.  

• Lead, develop and inspire a high-performing finance team while fostering a collaborative One Council culture.  

• Build strong relationships with partners, stakeholders, regulators and government bodies.  

We are seeking an exceptional finance leader with the credibility, strategic insight and leadership capability to operate effectively at executive level within a complex public sector environment. 

You will bring: 

• Significant senior leadership experience within a large, complex organisation.  

• A track record of improving organisational performance, delivering change and leading transformation.  

• Experience of strategic budget management and financial planning at scale.  

• Strong political awareness and experience of working effectively with elected members, boards or equivalent governance structures.  

• Exceptional stakeholder management and partnership-building skills.  

• Experience of leading and developing high-performing teams.  

• Excellent communication, influencing and negotiation skills.  

• Degree-level education and a professional accounting qualification from a CCAB-recognised body or equivalent.  

• Salary: £117,634 per annum
• Location: Council Headquarters, Inverness (hybrid working with a minimum of three days per week on-site)
• Contract: Permanent
• Relocation: Up to £6,500 relocation assistance available 
  
• Pension: Local Government Pension Scheme
• Annual Leave: Up to 26 days plus public holidays

The Highlands offers one of the most distinctive leadership opportunities in Scotland. Combining a globally recognised natural environment with ambitious economic growth, major infrastructure investment and a strong commitment to public service, the region presents both challenge and opportunity in equal measure.

This is an opportunity to make a lasting impact on the future of one of Scotland’s most significant local authorities while helping to shape the economic, social and environmental future of the Highlands.

The Highland Council is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from candidates of all backgrounds. As a Disability Confident Leader, we guarantee an interview to applicants with a disability who meet the essential criteria. We also offer a guaranteed interview to applicants who have served in the Armed Forces (Regular or Reservist), or are a spouse, partner or dependent of serving personnel, provided they meet the essential criteria.