Responsible Financial Officer and Head of Finance

Salary: £64,373 – £72,703
Hours: 37 Hours per week
Working Pattern: Monday to Friday – incl. occasional evening/weekend work
Contract: Permanent
Location: Deane House, Taunton (with hybrid working available)

Closing date for application forms: Monday 11th May  2026 at 9.00am

Interview date: Tuesday 26th May 2026

We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Responsible Financial Officer (RFO) & Head of Finance to lead the Council’s financial management and ensure the highest standards of governance, compliance and value for money. The postholder will play a key role within our Strategic Leadership Team, supporting sound governance, effective decision-making and the providing high-quality financial advice to elected members and senior officers. This role holds statutory responsibilities and offers the postholder the opportunity to shape the financial future of Somerset’s largest town council.

The RFO and Head of Finance will:

• Act as the Council’s Responsible Financial Officer, with responsibility for the administration of the Council’s financial affairs in accordance with legislation and best practice.
• Lead on the preparation, monitoring and reporting of the Council’s annual budget, medium‑term financial planning and year‑end accounts.
• Ensure robust financial controls, risk management and compliance with audit requirements.
• Advise Members and senior officers on all financial matters, including policy development and strategic decision‑making.
• Lead the Finance Service and oversee Central Services, including Democratic Services, HR, Business Optimisation and Projects
• Manage payroll, investments, reserves, grants and leases.

What we are looking for:

• Significant excellent experience in a senior financial role, ideally within local government or the public sector.
• Strong knowledge of local authority financial regulations and best practice.
• A relevant professional qualification (e.g. CIPFA, AAT or equivalent) or demonstrable equivalent experience.
• Excellent analytical, communication and leadership skills.
• The confidence and integrity to act as a key adviser to elected Members.

What we can offer you:

• Work for a Town Council that strives to improve the quality of town life
• A work environment in a town location with excellent travel, bus and rail links
• Perkbox Employee Benefits Platform
• Employee Assistance Programme
• A focus on learning and development opportunities for our employees, including a team building programme
• Access to Local Government Pension Scheme The LGPS is a ‘Career Average Revalued Earnings’ (CARE) scheme, which means your benefits are based on your salary for each year you are in the scheme
• Employee Recognition and Reward Scheme
• 25 days holiday per year increasing to 27 days after 2 years’ service, and 30 days after 5 years’ service, plus normal bank holidays. Please note these entitlements include 2 statutory days
• Long Service Awards starting from 5 years’ service
• Additional Purchased Annual Leave Scheme
• Access to a central work car park
• Volunteering Leave
• Contractual sick pay (in accordance with National Joint Councils agreed terms)
• Caring and compassionate employer, signatory of the Menopause Workplace Pledge, The Civility and Respect Pledge, The Charter for Compassion, The Armed Forces Covenant and White Ribbon Accreditation.

For more information on the post, and to apply please refer to our website or contact hr@taunton-tc.gov.uk to arrange an informal discussion about the role.

Please note we do not accept CVs.