Chief Finance Officer - Headquarters, Chelmsford

An exceptional opportunity has arisen for a strategic, and commercially astute, finance leader to join Essex Police as our Chief Finance Officer (CFO).

As CFO, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the strategic direction of the organisation. As the senior finance advisor to the Chief Officer Group (Executive Board), you will contribute to critical decisions that influence the future of policing in Essex. This is a rare opportunity to lead a highperforming finance function, while also helping to drive transformation, innovation, and value across the Force.

Why Join Us?

This is so much more than a finance role – it’s a chance to shape the future of policing in Essex. You’ll be part of a forward-thinking leadership team, working in a dynamic, impactful environment, where your expertise will directly contribute to public safety and organisational excellence.

About the Role:

Responsible directly to the Chief Constable, this senior leadership position has responsibility for the development and delivery of a comprehensive finance strategy that directly supports the operational and strategic priorities of Essex Police.

You will ensure the highest standards of financial stewardship, governance, and compliance, while also identifying opportunities to drive efficiencies and maximise the impact of public funding.

You will:

• Provide strategic financial leadership to the Chief Constable, Police Fire and Crime Commissioner, and senior stakeholders.
• Drive commercial thinking across the organisation, identifying opportunities for savings, investment, and innovation.
• Shape and influence corporate strategy, through active participation in the Chief Officer Group.
• Lead the Finance Department, ensuring effective delivery of all core services, including accounting, payroll, pensions, and financial planning.
• Ensure compliance with the Financial Management Code of Practice and relevant legislation.
• Act as Head of Profession for all finance staff and as Delegated Scheme Manager for the Police Officer Pension Scheme.

About You:

You will be a qualified accountant (CCAB recognised) with significant post-qualification experience in senior financial leadership, ideally within a complex public sector environment.

You will bring:

• A strong track record of strategic leadership and influencing at Board or Executive level.
• Commercial acumen and the ability to identify and deliver financial efficiencies.
• A clear understanding of public sector finance, governance, and risk.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• A collaborative and values-driven leadership style, with a commitment to ethical standards and public service.
• A management qualification (e.g. MBA, DMS, or CIPFA Accredited Business Partner) is desirable.

You will receive a competitive salary, and range of benefits, including a car allowance. You will be part of an excellent local government pension scheme, and importantly a committed, collegiate, and friendly working environment. You will also make a difference to all those who live, work or visit Essex.

To discover more about this opportunity, please visit our recruitment partner’s website at https://www.gatenbysanderson.com/job/GSe122869  If, having read the available information, you would like a confidential discussion to explore the role in more detail, prior to submitting your application, please contact Duncan Collins at: duncan.collins@gatenbysanderson.com or by telephone on 07586 705 475. If you have a disability, or need assistance completing the application process, please also contact Duncan for support.