Finance Lead – Combined Fire and Rescue Authority (CFRA)

The starting salary for this role is £73,317 per annum, based on a 36-hour working week. This is a fixed-term opportunity for up to six months, ending no later than 31 March 2027. We are looking for a Finance Lead to work alongside us as we prepare for the creation of a new Combined Fire and Rescue Authority (CFRA) following Local Government Reorganisation. This is a time-critical opportunity to shape the financial foundations of the future Combined Fire and Rescue Authority.

By establishing robust financial governance, systems and transition arrangements, you will directly influence the authority’s readiness for Vesting Day, its long-term financial sustainability and its ability to meet statutory responsibilities from day one. Our Offer to You 26 days’ holiday, rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 31 days after 5 years’ service (pro rated for part time opportunities) Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave A generous local government salary related pension Up to 5 days of carer’s leave and 2 paid volunteering days per year Paternity, adoption and dependents leave An Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources Wellbeing and lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, and shopping A chance to make a real difference to the lives of our residents About The Role As Finance Lead for the Combined Fire and Rescue Authority (CFRA) Theme, you will provide dedicated, specialist financial expertise to support Surrey Fire and Rescue Service through the financial requirements arising from Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation (D&LGR).

Working closely with the Assistant Chief Fire Officer, senior leaders, corporate colleagues and external partners, you will lead the CFRA finance-related elements of the transition from Surrey County Council (SCC). You will help establish robust, legally compliant and operationally effective financial arrangements for the future authority, supporting strong governance, financial sustainability, statutory assurance, and service continuity.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities You will lead and coordinate the CFRA finance-related workstream associated with the transition programme, helping to design and implement the future financial operating model. This role will also lead the finance elements of devolution and local government reorganisation, overseeing financial disaggregation and helping to shape a financially sustainable future authority.

It is responsible for establishing the organisation’s financial governance, planning, management and control frameworks, including budgets, reserves, assets, liabilities and statutory Section 151 arrangements. Working closely with procurement, audit and corporate support teams, the post ensures financial processes are successfully transitioned from Surrey County Council while maintaining compliance, managing risk and providing assurance that the new authority can meet its statutory financial responsibilities.

Key Projects and Goals During this fixed-term appointment, the successful candidate will play a pivotal role in ensuring the future Combined Fire and Rescue Authority is financially prepared to operate as an independent organisation from Vesting Day. The role will focus on establishing a sustainable financial operating model, embedding robust governance, control and reporting arrangements, and progressing key financial planning activities, including budgeting, reserves, assets, liabilities, treasury management and precepting.

Working through the transition from Surrey County Council, the postholder will identify and address financial risks, dependencies and gaps, while ensuring effective handover arrangements are in place to support the future Section 151 Officer and the authority's long term financial resilience. Shortlisting Criteria In order to be considered for shortlisting, your application will clearly evidence the following skills and ali