Finance Director

Finance Director required to work with a Government department. This is an initial 6 month contract, paying £900-950 a day, inside IR35, hybrid working.

Job Description:
To provide strategic leadership and management of all financial, commercial, and economic activities. 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, regulatory, and government standards.
* Provide strategic financial guidance to the CEO and Executive Team, supporting spending reviews 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 guardian 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 reporting.

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

Please apply should you fit the above criteria