• The West Sussex County Council is seeking an experienced Interim Finance Project Manager to support the Devolution Delivery Team during the establishment of a new regional authority. Reporting to the Interim Strategic Finance Lead, the role will lead several complex finance transformation projects and support the development of key financial frameworks, policies and systems required for the new organisation.

• The successful candidate will bring strong strategic finance expertise, project management capability and public sector experience to ensure financial governance, processes and systems are effectively implemented. The role requires close collaboration with senior leaders, local authorities and partner organisations across Sussex and Brighton.

• This is a 6-month interim assignment, working in a hybrid pattern (4–5 days per week) with an initial expectation of approximately one day per week onsite in Chichester.

• Lead projects to negotiate and implement Service Level Agreements (SLAs) with constituent councils for finance services including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, banking and treasury functions.

• Lead financial workstreams related to the transfer of functions from existing organisations to the new authority, including analysis of staffing, operational costs, overheads, assets and liabilities.

• Support the development and implementation of financial regulations, standing orders, treasury management strategies and financial policies.

• Assist in the development of the organisation’s first annual budget and Medium-Term Financial Plan (MTFP).

• Establish robust financial planning, budgeting and reporting processes for the new authority.

• Support the development of an Assurance Framework to enable robust Value for Money (VfM) appraisal of investment business cases.

• Develop processes to monitor and manage VAT compliance and taxation matters, including liaising with specialist tax advisors where required.

• Assist in establishing a strong internal control environment, including supporting the creation of an Audit and Governance Committee and an effective Internal Audit function.

• Work collaboratively with senior leaders, elected Members, programme sponsors and partner organisations to ensure project delivery remains aligned to strategic objectives.

• Manage project risks, interdependencies and governance to ensure delivery is transparent, accountable and high quality.

• Fully qualified accountant (e.g. ACCA, ACA, CIMA or equivalent).

• Significant senior finance experience within the public sector, ideally within local government or central government.

• Demonstrable experience establishing financial frameworks, systems or governance structures within a new or transforming organisation.

• Strong project management and programme delivery experience, particularly within complex organisational change environments.

• Experience developing financial strategies, policies, regulations and governance frameworks.

• Strong knowledge of public sector financial management, budgeting and Medium-Term Financial Planning.

• Experience supporting or leading business case development and Value for Money assessments.

• Understanding of treasury management, VAT and financial compliance in the public sector.

• Experience working with senior stakeholders, elected members and cross-organisational partners.

• Excellent communication, stakeholder management and problem-solving skills.

• Bi-Weekly Payments.

• Location: West Street, Chichester, West Sussex.

• Working pattern: a hybrid pattern (4–5 days per week) with an initial expectation of approximately one day per week onsite in Chichester.

• Duration: 24 weeks (initial contract).

• Start date: ASAP / Target 30 March 2026.

• Rate: £750 per day (Limited / Umbrella).