Director or Finance and Commercial

Summary: The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) will provide strategic leadership and management of financial, commercial, and economic activities within the agency during a significant transformation period. This role involves ensuring robust financial stewardship and effective governance while driving continuous improvement in financial operations. The CFO will also be responsible for building relationships with government stakeholders and ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory standards. The position is based in Cardiff and requires a strong background in financial leadership, particularly within the public sector.

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.
• Serve as a full member of the Main Board.
• Be the Accountable Executive for risk management and corporate assurance.
• Chair 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 reporting.

Key Skills:

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Fully qualified accountant (CCAB, CIMA, or equivalent).
• Evidence of ongoing professional development.

Salary (Rate): undetermined

City: Cardiff

Country: United Kingdom

Working Arrangements: hybrid

IR35 Status: undetermined

Seniority Level: undetermined

Industry: Other