Head of Financial Services

Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service are seeking to appoint an experienced Head of Financial Services. This role is responsible for providing leadership, strategic vision and management of the Service's Finance, Procurement and Payroll & Pensions business to support the vision and delivery of Creating the Safest Community.

Reporting directly to the Director of Finance, Estates and Facilities, you will contribute to our strategic goals by shaping and driving the Financial Services agenda, through the creation and implementation of departmental strategies and plans as well as ensuring quality service provision at all times.

We are seeking a candidate who has demonstrable experience of:

• Managing and leading a team, with responsibility for both people and process preferably within a public sector or complex organisation.


• Working effectively in a complex Finance environment.


• Revenue and Capital budget setting and management.


• Producing Statutory accounts.


• Providing financial advice and guidance that adds value.


Qualifications required:


• Full CCAB membership, preferably CIPFA


About the department

The Finance department enables the Service to fulfil its statutory obligations, secure value for money and to uphold professional standards.
The department promotes sound financial management to ensure that public money is safeguarded and used economically, efficiently and in line with governance requirements. This involves working with senior managers and budget holders to ensure that their budgets are set and used appropriately.
The Selection Process
Set out below are the key dates relating to this selection process:

Stage Timeline
Advert closes - Wednesday 01 May 2024 at 12 noon
Notification of shortlist - W/C 06 May 2024
I3 profiling - W/C 06 May 2024
On-site assessments: Interview plus Presentation and Employee Panel - W/C 13 May 2024

• Please note the dates and stages detailed may be subject to change, The successful applicant will be subject to our pre-employment screening process which includes an occupational health medical and substance abuse test. We will also conduct right to work, DBS and reference checks.


Pension statement

Please note, if you have been employed as an Operational Firefighter, and are in receipt of a Firefighter's pension, your pension may be abated if you are appointed. Abatement will occur if your pension plus your new salary adds up to more than your previous salary upon retirement - further details can be provided on request. It's also worth noting that you may also be affected by HMRC rules and should check with the HMRC to see if this applies to you.

About Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service

Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service are one of the UK's leading Fire and Rescue Services for responding and innovation. We pride ourselves in striving to 'Create the Safest Community' and our dedicated, and diverse workforce are committed to delivering this.

As an organisation we are currently rated as 'Good' by His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services and by recruiting the right individual with the right skills, ability and knowledge, this will ensure our continued success.

We are an equal opportunities employer; we value and celebrate equality, diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from all sections of society with the necessary skills, qualifications and experience and encourage applications from underrepresented groups in our workforce or society.

Our facilities

Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service Headquarters are located in purpose built premises based in Washington, within easy reach of the A1 and A19. On site facilities include a staff gym, ample free parking and canteen facilities.


• Generous leave entitlement commencing at 23 days plus Public Holidays and 3 local days to be used over the Christmas period


• Flexi-time


• Local government pension scheme


• Free on-site parking


• Free on-site gym


• Blue light discount