Director of Finance and Commercial

Skillsbay Limited; Cardiff; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent public sector agency in Cardiff is seeking a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to provide strategic leadership in financial and commercial activities. The role requires senior financial leadership experience, excellent negotiation skills, and the ability to lead teams through change. The ideal candidate will ensure compliance with legal and regulatory standards while delivering value-for-money decisions. This role offers a unique opportunity to influence financial strategies during a significant transformation period.

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Lead Executive for the Audit and Risk Assurance Committee.
• Ensure compliance with Managing Public Money.
• Drive continuous improvement in financial operations.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical thinking

Communication

Problem-solving

Negotiation

Education

Fully qualified accountant (CCAB, CIMA, or equivalent)

Job description

Overview

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. 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.

Responsibilities

• Act as: Lead Executive for the Audit and Risk Assurance Committee
• Act as: Full member of the Main Board
• Act as: Accountable Executive for risk management and corporate assurance
• Act as: Chair of the Finance and Investment Committee and Commercial Assurance Panel
• Act as: corporate guardian 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

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
• 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