Head of Finance - Government 12 month Contract

Seymour John Public Services (Midlands) Limited; London; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dynamic finance leader to guide their finance team through a transformative period. This role involves leading the transition to a new finance system, ensuring compliance with accounting standards, and providing expert financial advice. You will champion sound financial management, support strategic decisions at the executive level, and develop a high-performing team. If you have a passion for public financial management and a track record of inspiring leadership, this is the perfect opportunity to make a significant impact in a vital sector.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in financial accounting and reporting.
• Strong leadership skills to manage and inspire a finance team.

Responsibilities

• Lead finance team through transition to a new finance system.
• Ensure compliance with accounting standards and best practices.

Skills

Financial Accounting

Leadership

Financial Reporting

Budgeting

Public Sector Financial Management

Education

Degree in Finance or Accounting

Professional Accounting Qualification

Tools

Finance Management Software

Job description

Onsite London 3 days per week

The successful candidate will report to and support the Director of Finance. Key responsibilities include:

1. Lead the Finance team through transition to a new finance system.
2. Assure key business and system changes, working closely with colleagues across the department to ensure future changes align to relevant accounting standards, best practice and Government Functional Standards, protecting GAD’s ability to meet statutory accounting and control obligations whilst embedding best practice in financial reporting and insight.
3. Lead on financial accounting, including preparation of the annual report and accounts, audit exercises, operational financial activity e.g. cash flow management and act as the main contact to the NAO and GIAA.
4. Lead on external reporting to HM Treasury and Cabinet Office, e.g. Main and Supplementary Estimates, spending controls and transparency returns.
5. Provision of expert technical financial advice - which can include sensitive and complex accounting and budgeting issues.
6. Ensure robust stewardship of, and accounting for, public money, underpinned by effective planning and internal controls.
7. Championing sound financial management across GAD, reviewing financial operations and performance and providing appropriate challenge and support.
8. Provide high quality information and advice to inform the Executive committee and Board, supporting prioritisation decisions at departmental level.
9. Provide inspirational leadership and act as a deputy for the Director of Finance and Operations in relevant areas.
10. Develop and support a high performing team, leaning into other key team and directorate priorities, as required.