Salary: £65,873 to £68,775

Location: Penrith (including agile working and working from home)Contract Type: Permanent

Shape the Future of Cumbria

Cumbria is entering a bold new chapter.

The creation of the Cumbria Combined Authority (CCA) marks a once-in-a-generation opportunity to unlock the full potential of one of England’s most distinctive places. With devolution bringing new powers, new investment and a directly elected Mayor from May 2027, the Authority will play a central role in driving inclusive growth, improving public services and championing the needs of communities across Cumbria.

As we establish the organisation, we are seeking a Head of Finance (Deputy Section 73 Officer) to join us on our journey.

About this opportunity

This is a rare opportunity to help build a new organisation and establish a finance function that will support its long-term success.

Reporting to the Section 73 Officer, you'll provide leadership across management accounting, financial accounting, budgeting, treasury management, taxation and exchequer services. Combining strategic oversight with operational leadership, you'll ensure the organisation has the robust financial management, controls and insight needed to support its ambitions from day one.

You'll lead the production of statutory accounts, oversee budget setting and medium-term financial planning, and provide high-quality financial information to support informed decision-making. The role also includes responsibility for key operational finance functions, including accounts payable and receivable, VAT compliance, cash flow management and banking arrangements, ensuring public funds are managed efficiently, transparently and in line with statutory requirements.

Working closely with the Section 73 Officer, you'll help develop and embed strong financial control, risk management and investment frameworks while providing expert advice on a range of complex and high-profile issues. You'll build effective relationships with senior leaders, Board members, auditors, partners and legacy councils, helping to ensure continuity, resilience and strong financial governance during a significant period of organisational development.

As Deputy Section 73 Officer, you'll also play an important role in developing high-performing teams, establishing effective systems and processes, and providing leadership across the finance function, including deputising for the Section 73 Officer when required.

Who we are looking for…

We're looking for an experienced and forward-thinking finance professional who combines strong technical expertise with excellent leadership and communication skills.

You'll hold a recognised CCAB qualification, such as CIPFA, ACA, ACCA or CIMA, and be committed to maintaining and developing your professional knowledge through continuing professional development.

You'll bring significant experience in financial management and accounting, together with a strong understanding of budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, financial controls and audit requirements. Experience of improving systems, strengthening processes and driving continuous improvement will be important, while experience gained within a regulated or publicly accountable environment would be advantageous.

Just as importantly, you'll be able to build credibility and positive working relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, communicating complex financial matters clearly and confidently. You'll be proactive, adaptable and solutions-focused, with the ability to operate both strategically and operationally in a fast-evolving environment.

If you're excited by the opportunity to help establish a new organisation, shape its financial future and make a lasting contribution to the success of Cumbria Combined Authority, we'd love to hear from you.

Why Join Cumbria Combined Authority?

• Be part of a brand-new organisation with real devolved powers
• Work with passionate partners across public, private and community sectors
• Make a tangible difference to places, people and opportunities across Cumbria
• Leave a lasting legacy by preparing the Authority for long-term success

If you are inspired by the opportunity to build something new, meaningful and impactful, and to help shape the future of Cumbria, we would love to hear from you.

Join us at the start of Cumbria’s journey – and help turn ambition into reality.

Would you like to find out more?

For further information about this role, such as responsibilities and essential criteria please view the Role Profile.

If you have any queries or would like an informal conversation about this opportunity, please contact Jon Alsop via email - [email protected]

Location

This role may be suitable for hybrid working, which means an employee works part of their time in the office and part from home. This is a voluntary and non‑contractual arrangement between you and your manager, and your contractual place of work will remain your office location.

If a hybrid working arrangement is suitable for both the role and for you, you will normally be required to spend a minimum of 40% of your working hours in the office. Our main office is at Redhills, near Penrith. We are also able to use offices of our partner authorities across the county to help fulfil this expectation.

Please discuss any caring responsibilities, disabilities, or other circumstances that may affect your ability to meet this minimum office attendance requirement with the recruiting manager.

Application and Interview information

Closing date: 19/07/2026

Final interview date: 28/07/2026 & 29/07/2026

Interview details such as venue/timings will be shared with successful candidates, following the shortlisting process. If you have any concerns or adjustments are needed, we are happy to discuss this with you.

Please note that Westmorland and Furness Council is providing recruitment support on behalf of the Cumbria Combined Authority. As part of this process, applicants will complete a Westmorland and Furness Council application form.

Lead the future of Cumberland

Cumberland is a special place - with the beauty of the lakes, combined with an amazing coastline, a thriving city, bustling towns and a strong economy.   Cumberland offers an exceptional quality of life alongside ambitious opportunities for growth and transformation.

Since our creation in 2023, we have established strong foundations and delivered significant improvements for our residents.  We are proud that Cumberland is one of the safest places in the North of England and that we are an award-winning Council with 94% of primary schools being good or outstanding.  We are now looking for an exceptional Chief Executive to help lead the next chapter of our journey.  

This is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of a modern and ambitious unitary Council, serving diverse communities across a unique and nationally significant place, working with elected Members, partners and colleagues to further improve outcomes for residents and create lasting positive change across Cumberland.

If you are motivated by public service, collaborative leadership and the opportunity to make a genuine difference at scale, we would like to hear from you.

About Cumberland Council

Formed in April 2023 through Local Government Reorganisation, Cumberland Council serves a diverse geography comprising urban, rural and coastal communities across north-west England. We are ambitious for our residents, businesses and partners and are committed to creating positive health and wellbeing outcomes, supporting economic prosperity and delivering high-quality public services.

About The Role

Working closely with elected Members, Officers and key partners, you will provide corporate and strategic leadership to the Council, setting and delivering a clear, sustainable and outcome-focused vision for Cumberland and its residents.

You will ensure the Council remains financially resilient, high-performing and well-governed and focused on delivering statutory responsibilities alongside place-based ambitions.

You will lead a strong and established senior leadership team, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, innovation and continuous improvement.

Operating within a complex and evolving local government landscape, characterised by increasing financial pressures and rising demand for services, you will provide strong leadership and maintain delivery of sustainable, high-quality outcomes for residents and communities across Cumberland.

You will play a central role in the continued development and maturity of the Council, ensuring the organisation operates as a financially resilient, well governed and high performing authority that delivers modern, agile, inclusive and customer focused services.

Who We’re Looking For

We are looking for an experienced and inspirational senior leader who will match that ambition with vision, energy and integrity to play a central role in delivering our plan for Cumberland—ensuring inclusive growth, supporting our communities, and improving outcomes for all.

You will be innovative, collaborative, a leading force in change management and have a strong track record in developing and maintaining partnerships.

We welcome applications from both serving Chief Executives and experienced senior leaders who are ready to take the next step in their career. 

You will bring positive strategic vision, political awareness and a track record of delivering meaningful organisational and service improvement within a complex environment.  Equally important will be your ability to build trust, inspire others and work collaboratively with Members, staff, communities and partners.

We are looking for a leader who is visible, authentic and values driven – someone who can balance ambition with pragmatism and who shares our commitment to improving outcomes for residents.

You will embody the highest standards of professional and political impartiality, as required of this politically restricted post.

Please refer to the full Post Specification for detailed information regarding the role, responsibilities and essential criteria. Candidates may also wish to review relevant Council strategies, policies and documents available through Cumberland Council’s website: Cumberland Council documents and policies.

Important Information

• This post is politically restricted under the Local Government and Housing Act 1989. The postholder will be required to maintain political neutrality and will be subject to restrictions on political activity. The successful candidate must comply with the statutory requirements relating to politically restricted posts.
• The postholder will be appointed as the Council’s Returning Officer and Electoral Registration Officer (ERO), subject to statutory designation. This is a personal statutory role, independent of the Council, carrying responsibility for the lawful conduct of elections and the maintenance of the electoral register.
• The successful candidate will be required to undertake an Enhanced DBS check. This will be facilitated by Cumberland Council during the appointment process.
• Applicants must declare any relationships with elected Members or officers and disclose the nature of their relationship(s) in writing as part of their application.
• Applications received after the closing date cannot be accepted.

Timeline

Closing date: 14th August 2026

Longlisting: 18th August 2026

Technical Interview: 24th & 25th August 2026 (online)

Shortlisting: 2nd September 2026

Psychometric Assessment: Between 3rd - 9th September 2026 (online)

Assessment Centre: 10th & 11th September 2026 (In-person, Carlisle)

How To Apply

If you are excited by the opportunity to lead Cumberland Council through the next stage of its development and believe you have the experience, ambition and values we are looking for, we encourage you to apply. 

Please submit your application consisting of CV and cover letter (making sure to declare required relationships) to our recruitment partners at: Starfish Search

If you are seeking further information about the role or the Council, please contact Tim Farr on 07756 293292 or [email protected]

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