OverviewRole: Director of Finance and CommercialContract Length: 6 months (ext tbc)Location: 2/3 days a week in the Cardiff Office

Security Clearance: SC required in post

Job PurposeTo 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 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 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 and 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 and 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 and 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

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