Director of Finance and Commercial

Job Title: Director of Finance and Commercial

Salary: up to £707.75 PAYE per day (equivalent to £950 UMB)

Hours per week: 37 hours per week

Role length: 6 months

Job type: Hybrid

Location: Cardiff - 2/3 days a week in the office

Contract Type: Interim

The role:

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a seasoned Director of Finance and Commercial to join a central government agency undergoing significant transformation. This is a key leadership role, providing strategic oversight across Finance, Commercial, and Economics functions. As a member of the Executive Board, you'll play a pivotal part in driving value-for-money decision-making, robust governance, and organisational performance at the highest level.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic leadership across Finance, Commercial, and Economic activities.
• Act as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and lead executive for the Audit and Risk Assurance Committee.
• Support the CEO and Executive Team with strategic financial guidance, spending reviews, and fee assessments.
• Act as a full member of the Main Board and accountable executive for risk management and corporate assurance.
• Chair the Finance and Investment Committee and Commercial Assurance Panel.
• Ensure compliance with Managing Public Money, regulatory frameworks, and government standards.
• Lead transformation in financial operations, systems, and procurement strategy.
• Drive evidence-based, value-for-money decision-making across all major investments.
• Build effective relationships with key government and external stakeholders.
• Deliver accurate statutory reporting including the Annual Report and Accounts.

What the client is looking for:

• Significant senior financial leadership experience in a complex organisation (public sector preferred).
• Demonstrated ability to lead multidisciplinary teams through strategic and operational change.
• Strong track record in financial management, governance, and achieving value for money.
• Board-level influence and experience shaping organisational direction.
• Proven stakeholder engagement at senior/executive level.
• Experience in delivering financial and commercial excellence in high-pressure environments.

Essential Skills & Knowledge

• Clear, inclusive leadership with strong strategic and critical thinking.
• Excellent communication of complex financial and commercial concepts.
• Advanced negotiation, influence, and decision-making capabilities.
• Comprehensive understanding of public sector finance, procurement, and commercial standards.
• Expert knowledge of Managing Public Money, financial controls, and high-value procurement.
• Strong grasp of economics, risk, and performance frameworks in the public sector.

Qualifications

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

How to Apply:

Please submit your CV as soon as possible. CVs are being reviewed on a rolling basis.

If you do not hear from us within three working days, unfortunately your application has not been shortlisted on this occasion. Thank you for your interest in working with us