Director of Finance & Commercial

Wilkinson & Associates Ltd; London; Hybrid; GBP 200,000 +; Full time

Job summary

A consulting firm based in the UK is seeking a Director of Finance and Commercial to shape financial strategy during significant transformation. This leadership role requires senior financial expertise and the ability to manage complex financial activities. Responsibilities include compliance, strategic guidance, and oversight of financial operations. The role offers a hybrid working model with a competitive daily rate, starting immediately.

Benefits

Up to £950 per day

Hybrid working: 2–3 days in office

Opportunity for high-impact leadership

Qualifications

• Proven record of strategic planning at board level.
• Track record of leading teams through change.
• Strong communication of complex financial concepts.
• Ongoing professional development in finance is essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead Finance, Commercial, and Economics functions.
• Support CEO and Executive Team with strategic financial guidance.
• Chair Finance and Investment Committee.
• Ensure adherence to regulatory standards.
• Oversee timely statutory reporting.

Skills

Senior financial leadership experience

Delivering value-for-money financial management

Leading multi-disciplinary teams

Inclusive leadership style

Analytical and strategic thinking

Negotiation and problem-solving skills

Financial control and reporting knowledge

Understanding of Managing Public Money

High-value procurement expertise

Education

Fully qualified accountant (CCAB, CIMA, or equivalent)

Job description

Playing a pivotal role in shaping financial strategy and commercial decision-making, this is a unique opportunity to lead during a time of significant organisational transformation.

Based in Cardiff with 2–3 days per week in the office, this 6-month daily rate contract (up to £950 per day, inside IR35 via umbrella) offers the chance to provide high-level financial and commercial leadership within a complex and evolving environment.

The Opportunity

As Director of Finance and Commercial, you will take on a highly influential leadership role, guiding all financial, commercial, and economic activities within the organisation. Acting as a trusted adviser to the CEO, Executive Team, and Board, you will ensure robust governance, effective risk management, and value-for-money decision-making. This is a rare opportunity to make a meaningful impact on public sector finance at the most senior level.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead Finance, Commercial, and Economics functions, ensuring full 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, a full member of the Main Board, and accountable executive for risk management and corporate assurance
• Chair the Finance and Investment Committee and Commercial Assurance Panel
• Act as corporate guardian for budgets and efficiency targets, ensuring adherence to Managing Public Money
• Drive continuous improvement in financial operations, systems, and service delivery
• Champion value-for-money and evidence-based decision-making across major investments
• Embed effective procurement strategies aligned with public sector best practice
• Build strong relationships with government stakeholders to support sound financial and investment decisions
• Oversee timely and accurate delivery of statutory reporting, including the annual report and accounts

Candidate Profile

• Senior financial leadership experience within a complex organisation (public sector preferred)
• Proven record of delivering value-for-money financial management and strategic planning at board level
• Track record of leading multi-disciplinary teams through change
• Strong, visible, and inclusive leadership style with board-level credibility
• Excellent analytical and strategic thinking, able to communicate complex financial concepts clearly
• Skilled in negotiation, influence, and pragmatic problem-solving in high-pressure environments
• 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 commercial decision-making
• Fully qualified accountant (CCAB, CIMA, or equivalent) desirable, with evidence of ongoing professional development essential

Package & Benefits

• Up to £950 per day (inside IR35, via umbrella company)
• 6-month contract, starting ASAP
• Hybrid working: 2–3 days per week in Cardiff office
• Opportunity to lead strategic finance and commercial activity at board level

Reasons to Join

• Shape financial and commercial strategy at the highest level during a period of significant transformation
• High-impact leadership role with direct influence on governance, investment, and stakeholder engagement
• Work alongside a senior leadership team to drive operational excellence and future sustainability

To learn more or apply, please contact Andrea Green at [e-mail] for a private and confidential discussion. Alternatively, submit your CV and we’ll be in touch.