Finance Director

Uniting People; Cardiff; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A public sector organization in Cardiff is looking for a Financial Director to lead financial operations and provide strategic guidance. The ideal candidate will have strong financial management experience in a complex organization, preferably within the public sector. Responsibilities include ensuring compliance, driving continuous improvement, and managing stakeholder relationships. This role offers an opportunity to significantly influence the organization's objectives during a period of transformation.

Qualifications

• Senior financial leadership in a complex organisation, preferably in the public sector.
• Proven track record in financial management.
• Experience in leading teams through change.

Responsibilities

• Lead Finance, Commercial, and Economics functions ensuring regulatory compliance.
• Provide strategic guidance to CEO and Executive Team.
• Drive improvement in financial operations.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Analytical thinking

Strong communication

Problem-solving

Negotiation

Risk management

Education

Fully qualified accountant (CCAB, CIMA)

Job description

Overview

2/3 days a week in the Cardiff Office
INSIDE IR35
6 months
MUST HAVE PUBLIC SECTOR KNOWLEDGE
Financial Director

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.

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
  • 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

Qualifications

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