Head of Finance (Government)

Summary: The Head of Finance role is responsible for ensuring robust financial governance and accurate forecasting within a high-profile capital programme. This position involves leading financial control, strategic finance leadership, and providing insights to support decision-making. The role requires building strong relationships with executive leadership and stakeholders while embedding a culture of accountability and continuous improvement. The successful candidate will oversee financial operations and lead high-performing teams in a complex public sector environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the organisation's financial control environment, ensuring compliance with public financial management standards.
• Oversee delivery of statutory accounts, management reports, and audits.
• Partner with executive leadership, Boards, and Committees to inform strategic decision-making and align programme delivery with financial best practice.
• Provide leadership across budgeting, forecasting, and long-term financial planning cycles.
• Act as finance business owner of the Oracle ERP system, collaborating with digital teams on enhancements.
• Deliver high-quality financial insights and risk analysis to support programme and project teams.
• Drive effective value for money assessments and change control monitoring.
• Lead development of Anticipated Final Cost forecasts, variance analysis and contingency reporting.
• Coordinate internal and external audit processes, ensuring timely and accurate responses.
• Maintain integrity in financial reporting across work breakdown and project control structures.
• Embed a culture of accountability, high performance, and continuous improvement across the finance function.
• Guide teams through shifting priorities and programme phases.
• Lead and develop high-performing teams across Financial Control, Accounts Payable, FP&A, and Finance Business Partnering.

Key Skills:

• Professional qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) and degree-level education.
• Significant post-qualification experience in a senior finance role within a complex public sector or major capital delivery environment.
• Deep knowledge of financial governance, systems (particularly Oracle ERP), and strategic planning.
• Strong analytical and communication skills, able to advise at Board level.
• Proven ability to lead teams in fast-paced, ambiguous settings.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office tools and experienced in delivering complex reports to tight deadlines.

Salary (Rate): £700.00 yearly

City: London

Country: UK

Working Arrangements: undetermined

IR35 Status: undetermined

Seniority Level: undetermined

Industry: Other