Role

Director of Finance and Commercial

Contract Length: 6 months (ext tbc)

Location: 2/3 days a week in the Cardiff Office

Security Clearance: SC required in post

Job Purpose

To provide strategic leadership and management of all financial, commercial, and economic activities within the agency. The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) ensures robust financial stewardship, effective governance, and value-for-money decision-making, enabling the organisation to achieve its objectives during a period of significant transformation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the Finance, Commercial, and Economics functions, ensuring compliance with legal, regulatory, and government standards.
• Provide strategic financial guidance to the CEO and Executive Team, supporting spending reviews and fee assessments.
• Act as:
• Lead Executive for the Audit and Risk Assurance Committee
• Full member of the Main Board
• Accountable Executive for risk management and corporate assurance
• Chair of the Finance and Investment Committee and Commercial Assurance Panel
• Act as corporate Client for departmental budgets and efficiency targets, ensuring compliance with Managing Public Money.
• Drive continuous improvement in financial operations, systems, and service delivery.
• Champion value-for-money and evidence-based decision-making in all major investments and initiatives.
• Enhance commercial acumen and embed effective procurement strategies aligned with public sector best practices.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with government stakeholders to support sound financial and investment decisions.
• Ensure timely and accurate delivery of the annual report, accounts, and other statutory reporting.

Person Specification

Experience (Essential)

• Senior financial leadership in a complex organisation (preferably public sector)
• Proven track record in financial management and delivering value for money
• Leading multi-disciplinary teams through change
• Strategic planning and board-level influence
• Building and managing diverse stakeholder relationships
• Shaping and delivering strategic direction
• Promoting operational and professional excellence

Skills & Abilities (Essential)

• Strong, visible, and inclusive leadership at board level
• Strategic, analytical, and critical thinking
• Clear communication of complex financial concepts
• Pragmatic problem-solving and business insight
• Ability to manage competing priorities in a high-pressure environment
• Skilled in negotiation and influence in complex settings
• Sound judgement in risk management
• Confident and credible strategic planning influence

Knowledge & Understanding (Essential)

• Deep knowledge of financial control, reporting, and performance management
• Strong understanding of Managing Public Money and government functional standards
• Expertise in high-value, high-risk procurement and emerging markets
• Understanding of commercial, procurement, and economics functions in a public sector context

Qualifications

• Fully qualified accountant (CCAB, CIMA, or equivalent) - Essential
• Evidence of ongoing professional development - Essential

Criteria

• Senior financial leadership in a complex organisation (preferably public sector) - Essential
• Proven track record in financial management and delivering value for money - Essential
• Leading multi-disciplinary teams through change - Essential
• Strategic planning and board-level influence - Essential
• Building and managing diverse stakeholder relationships - Essential
• Shaping and delivering strategic direction - Essential
• Promoting operational and professional excellence - Essential
• Qualified accountant - Desirable
• Public sector experience - Desirable
• Commercial background - Desirable

Skills & Systems Experience

Previous Authority Experience Ideally within public sector and complex organizations

Qualifications

Professional Qualification - Fully qualified accountant

Experience in lieu of formal qualification May be considered if highly relevant