Finance Director

Nxtgen Recruitment; Cardiff; Hybrid; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading public sector recruitment agency is seeking a Director of Finance and Commercial to provide strategic leadership across finance, commercial, and economic functions in Cardiff. This is a pivotal role that involves influencing strategic decision-making at board level, ensuring compliance with government standards, and driving financial improvements. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in finance within complex organizations, preferably in the public sector. This position requires 2-3 days a week on site in Cardiff and operates within IR35 regulations.

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading finance in a complex organisation (public sector preferred).
• A track record of delivering strong financial management and value for money.
• Experience leading multi-disciplinary teams through organisational change.
• Board-level influence with the ability to shape strategic direction.
• Strong knowledge of government standards, procurement, and Managing Public Money.
• Current SC clearance (or the ability to secure this quickly).

Responsibilities

• Lead the Finance, Commercial, and Economics functions.
• Provide financial guidance to the CEO and Executive Team.
• Act as corporate guardian for budgets and efficiency targets.
• Drive continuous improvement in financial operations.
• Champion evidence-based decision-making.
• Strengthen commercial acumen and embed procurement strategies.
• Build and maintain relationships with stakeholders.
• Ensure timely and accurate delivery of statutory reporting.

Skills

Financial management

Strategic decision-making

Stakeholder management

Commercial acumen

Change management

Education

Full professional accountancy qualification (CCAB, CIMA, or equivalent)

Job description

Overview

NXTGEN are recruiting on behalf of a high-profile public sector organisation who are seeking a Director of Finance and Commercial. The Director of Finance and Commercial will play a pivotal role in providing strategic leadership across finance, commercial, and economic functions during a period of major transformation. This is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced Director of Finance and Commercial to operate at board level, influence strategic decision-making, and deliver real impact on a national scale.

This role is inside IR35 and requires 2-3 days a week on site in Cardiff.

The Opportunity

As Director of Finance and Commercial, you will provide strategic leadership across financial, commercial, and economic functions, ensuring the organisation delivers effective governance, robust financial stewardship, and value-for-money decision-making.

This is a board-level position where the Director of Finance and Commercial will act as:

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

You will play a key role in guiding the organisation through change, embedding strong commercial strategies, and influencing strategic decision-making at the highest level.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the Finance, Commercial, and Economics functions, ensuring compliance with legal, regulatory, and government standards.
• Provide financial guidance to the CEO and Executive Team, supporting spending reviews and fee assessments.
• Act as corporate guardian for budgets and efficiency targets, ensuring compliance with Managing Public Money.
• Drive continuous improvement in financial operations, systems, and service delivery.
• Champion evidence-based decision-making and value-for-money across major programmes.
• Strengthen commercial acumen and embed effective procurement strategies aligned with government best practice.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with government and external stakeholders.
• Ensure timely and accurate delivery of the annual report, accounts, and other statutory reporting.

About You

We're looking for a highly credible senior finance leader with:

• Proven experience leading finance in a complex organisation (public sector preferred).
• A track record of delivering strong financial management and value for money.
• Experience leading multi-disciplinary teams through organisational change.
• Board-level influence with the ability to shape strategic direction.
• Strong knowledge of government standards, procurement, and Managing Public Money.
• A full professional accountancy qualification (CCAB, CIMA, or equivalent).
• Current SC clearance (or the ability to secure this quickly).

Contract Details

• Contract length: 6 months (extension TBC)
• IR35: In scope
• Location: Cardiff (2-3 days per week in office)