Finance Director

CPL Recruitment; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A public sector client seeks a Finance Director for a 6-month hybrid contract. You will lead strategic direction and financial governance, influencing high-profile investments and organizational change. This role requires executive-level experience, a proven record of financial stewardship, and the ability to foster relationships with government stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Executive-level financial leadership in a complex, preferably public sector organization.
• Proven success in financial stewardship and delivering value-for-money.
• Leading multi-disciplinary teams through organizational change.
• Track record of strategic planning, governance, and board-level influence.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership across Finance, Commercial, and Economics functions.
• Advise the CEO and Executive Team on financial strategy, investment, and governance.
• Lead high-impact commercial and economic analysis to support public sector investment.
• Drive improvements in systems, reporting, and service delivery across finance operations.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic Thinking

Financial Management

Communication

Negotiation

Education

Fully qualified accountant (CCAB, CIMA, or equivalent)

Job description

Finance Director - Cardiff/Hybrid - 6-month contract

Cpl NI are working on behalf of a public sector client who requires a Finance Director who will be a core member of the Executive Team and the Main Board. You will play a pivotal role in shaping the strategic direction, ensuring robust financial governance, and driving value-for-money outcomes. This is a unique opportunity to influence high-profile investments, lead enterprise-wide change, and help deliver lasting public value.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership across Finance, Commercial, and Economics functions

• Advise the CEO and Executive Team on financial strategy, investment, and governance

• Serve as:
  • Lead Executive for the Audit & Risk Assurance Committee
  • Accountable Executive for risk management and corporate assurance
  • Chair of the Finance & Investment Committee and Commercial Assurance Panel
  • Corporate guardian for departmental budgets and efficiency compliance

• Lead high-impact commercial and economic analysis to support public sector investment

• Drive improvements in systems, reporting, and service delivery across finance operations

• Embed best practice in procurement and commercial decision-making

• Ensure full compliance with Managing Public Money, functional standards, and statutory reporting

• Cultivate strong working relationships with government and external stakeholders

• Oversee the delivery of the annual report, accounts, and corporate disclosures

Essential Experience

• Executive-level financial leadership in a complex, preferably public sector, organisation

• Proven success in financial stewardship and delivering value-for-money

• Leading multi-disciplinary teams through organisational change

• Track record of strategic planning, governance, and board-level influence

• Building high-trust relationships across internal and external stakeholders

• Promoting operational excellence and innovation

Skills & Abilities

• Inclusive, visible leadership with the ability to influence at board level

• Strong strategic, analytical, and critical thinking capabilities

• Excellent communicator of complex financial and commercial issues

• High resilience and ability to balance competing priorities under pressure

• Skilled negotiator with sound judgement in risk and governance matters

Knowledge

• Expert knowledge of financial management, control frameworks, and public accountability

• Deep understanding of Managing Public Money, government commercial standards, and public investment principles

• Insight into high-value procurement, market dynamics, and public sector commercial strategies

Qualifications

• Fully qualified accountant (CCAB, CIMA, or equivalent) - Essential

• Demonstrated commitment to ongoing professional development

If you are interested in hearing more or to be considered for this role, apply here or contact Sophie Keogh at Cpl NI.