Company: Wiltshire Council
Location: Wiltshire
Posted: May 19th, 2026
Wiltshire Council is seeking an exceptional Chief Finance Officer (S.151 Officer) to help shape the future of the council and the county we serve.
As a key member of our Corporate Leadership Team, you will provide clear, evidence-based financial advice and constructive challenge to the Chief Executive, Cabinet and Members, supporting strong governance, transparency and effective decision-making.
You will lead our financial strategy, financial planning, governance and assurance, strengthening how we use systems, data and insight to support better decisions across the organisation. You will also play a key role in modernising our services and ways of working, enabling a forward-looking and strategic approach.
Working closely with Cabinet, partners and colleagues, you will bring strong commercial and political acumen, spotting opportunities and helping us continue to deliver high-quality services for residents through our One Council approach.
A visible, credible leader with the confidence to operate at pace in a complex environment, skilled at building trust, leading teams through change and modelling the highest standards of integrity, committed to collaboration and to keeping communities at the heart of financial decision-making.
If you share our ambition and want to play a key role in securing Wiltshires future, we would welcome your application!
To find out more about working for Wiltshire Council please visit our dedicated landing page - Chief Finance Officer (S151)
How to apply
Please upload your CV and a supporting statement (maximum four A4 pages each).
Your CV should include contact details for two referees, one must be your current or most recent employer. Referees will only be contacted if you reach the final stages and only with your permission.
In your supporting statement, tell us why you are interested in this role and share examples of your experience that show how you meet the person specification.
All applications must be submitted online, including the supporting statement.
Key dates:
Applications open: Monday 18 May
Applications close: Sunday 21 June
Technical interviews: w/c Monday 29 June (virtual)
Shortlisting: Friday 3 July
Interviews: Wednesday 22 July (in person)
Officer Appointments Committee: Thursday 23 July (in person)
For more details or an informal discussion with Sarah Fraser, Senior Executive Recruitment Consultant, or if you would like to speak to Lucy Townsend, Chief Executive please contact Sarah Fraser sarah.fraser@wiltshire.gov.uk or call 01225 713164.
Please download and read the role description carefully before you apply as well as Our Identity.
We are firmly committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and to the principles of inclusion and diversity in both employment and the delivery of services.