Merseyside Police
Head of Finance & Procurement
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Head of Finance & Procurement
Directorate: Resources
Location: Merseyside Police Headquarters, Rose Hill
Grade: L - £87,582- £96,297
Reports to: Assistant Chief Constable – Resources
Shape the Future of Policing Finance
Merseyside Police is seeking an exceptional senior finance leader to join our Resources Directorate as Head of Finance & Procurement. This is a high-impact strategic role at the heart of the organisation, providing expert financial leadership to support operational policing and the priorities of the Police & Crime Commissioner (PCC).
As the designated Section 151 Officer, you will play a critical role in ensuring sound financial governance, delivering value for money, and driving continuous improvement across finance and procurement services within a complex, fast-paced public sector environment.
This role provides a valuable opportunity to contribute to strategic decision-making at senior levels, while supporting strong financial governance and the delivery of high-quality, effective services.
The Role
You will lead and direct the Finance and Procurement functions, setting financial strategy with operational priorities and national policing developments. Working closely with Chief Officers, the PCC, and external stakeholders, you will provide authoritative advice on financial planning, risk, and resource allocation for a force-wide budget of approximately £500m.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Leadership: Lead the Finance and Procurement Department, setting direction and ensuring alignment with Force and PCC priorities.
- Financial Planning & Governance: Oversee the medium-term financial plan, budget strategy, and annual budget-setting process, ensuring sustainability and transparency.
- Section 151 Responsibilities: Act as Chief Financial Officer, for the Force, ensuring compliance with statutory obligations, overseeing financial performance, and supporting effective decision-making.
- Procurement Excellence: Lead the implementation of the Force Procurement Strategy to maximise value for money and ensure regulatory compliance.
- Senior Advisory Role: Provide high-level professional advice to Chief Officers, and senior stakeholders on financial and procurement matters.
- Stakeholder Leadership: Build strong relationships across the Force and PCCs office as well as with external partners including the Home Office, HMICFRS, CIPFA, and other police forces.
- Deputising Duties: Act as deputy to the ACC Resources where necessary, representing the full Resources portfolio at senior boards and external engagements
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About You
We require a strategic, forward-thinking leader who combines technical excellence with strong leadership and influencing skills:
- Fully qualified CCAB accountant with degree-level education
- Significant post-qualification experience in a senior leadership role within a large, complex organisation
- Proven track record of delivering service improvement and managing change
- Strong understanding of public sector finance and procurement, experience in policing or a similar environment is welcomed
- Experience in leading the delivery of robust financial controls across an organisation, ensuring strong governance and compliance at all levels
- Ability to operate credibly at senior executive level, influencing outcomes and driving performance
- Experience managing high-performing teams and fostering a culture of continuous improvement
- Broad awareness of services such as Estates, ICT, Fleet and procurement
What You’ll Lead
- 6 direct reports including senior finance and procurement leads
- A wider team of 38 staff across Financial Operations, Business Partnering, Systems, Projects and Procurement
- A departmental budget of £1.5m, with influence across the Force’s £500m budget
Why Join Us?
- Play a key role in supporting the long-term financial sustainability and strategic direction of policing in Merseyside
- Work collaboratively with senior leaders to deliver outcomes that meet community needs and priorities
- Provide leadership to a critical function focused on continuous improvement and service development
- Contribute to an organisation that promotes innovation, partnership working, and a strong commitment to public service
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If you are an experienced finance leader with the capability and experience to operate at a strategic level and drive effective financial and procurement outcomes, we would welcome your application for this key role.
Please provide a copy of your CV, qualifications and cover letter outlining your current and previous experience.
Click here [https://apigw.merseyside.police.uk/orc/getfile/orcjdq/HeadofFinanceProcurement.docx] for the job description
Click here [https://apigw.merseyside.police.uk/orc/getfile/orcjdq/CVF_Level_3.pdf] for the CVF
Benefits
- 25 days annual leave plus 8 bank holidays pro rata increasing to 30 days plus 8 bank holidays after 5 years full service.
- Local Government Pension Scheme with contributions from 5.5% to 11.5% depending on your salary.
- Access to on-site gyms – HQ and OCC
- Option to become a member of the onsite unions.
- Discounts from various retailers via the Blue Light Scheme [https://gbr01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https://www.bluelightcard.co.uk/&data=05|02|Sharon.Smith1@merseyside.police.uk|7a9f972a9696440f22bc08dcf9acfa9b|f3955ea24c5d4e27ab8df6f577fa122d|0|0|638659768527271759|Unknown|TWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0=|0|||&sdata=kbaHjXseMmXVWo/rftRoRDbXeN6ziaowJkkyafkVFbQ=&reserved=0]
- Cycle to work scheme.
- Taskers Salary sacrifice car scheme
A Note on Using Artificial Intelligence
AI tools may support idea-generation, structure, or proofreading, but your application must reflect your own experience, skills, and voice. Do not copy and paste AI-generated content.
Our Commitment to Diversity, Equality & Inclusion
We are committed to building a workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We particularly welcome applications from women and Black and ethnic minority candidates.
Our Outreach Team provides guidance and support for candidates from under-represented groups. If you require reasonable adjustments, please let us know so we can support you.
To learn more about available support, contact: Outreach@merseyside.police.uk
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