Director of Finance and Commercial

Role: Director of Finance and Commercial
Contract Length: 6 months (ext tbc)
Location: 2/3 days a week in the Cardiff Office
Security Clearance: SC required in post

Job Purpose
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.

Key Responsibilities
Lead the Finance, Commercial, and Economics functions, ensuring compliance with legal, regula-tory, and government standards.
Provide strategic financial guidance to the CEO and Executive Team, supporting spending re-views 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
Act as corporate Client 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 re-porting.

Person Specification
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

Criteria
Senior financial leadership in a complex organisation (preferably public sector) Essential
Proven track record in financial management and delivering value for money Essential
Leading multi-disciplinary teams through change Essential
Strategic planning and board-level influence Essential
Building and managing diverse stakeholder relationships Essential
Shaping and delivering strategic direction Essential
Promoting operational and professional excellence Essential
Qualified accountant Desirable
Public sector experience Desirable
Commercial background Desirable

Skills & Systems Experience
Previous Authority Experience Ideally within public sector and complex organizations

Qualifications
Professional Qualification - Fully qualified accountant
Experience in lieu of formal qualification May be considered if highly relevant