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- Tasks: Lead financial and commercial strategies, ensuring compliance and driving improvements.
- Company: Join a dynamic agency undergoing significant transformation in Cardiff.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive daily rates, and a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in public finance while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Must be a fully qualified accountant with senior financial leadership experience.
- Other info: Guaranteed interviews for candidates with disabilities and military backgrounds.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 96000 £ per year.
Job Title: Director of Finance and Commercial
Location: Hybrid / Cardiff (2-3 days/week on site)
Contract Duration: 6 Months
Daily Rate: £900-950/day (Umbrella)
IR35 Status: Inside IR35
To 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, 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
Disability Confident
As a member of the disability confident scheme, CLIENT guarantees to interview all candidates who have a disability and who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of candidates who have a disability who meet all the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group.
Armed Forces Covenant
CLIENT is proud to support the Armed Forces Covenant and as such, we guarantee to interview all veterans or spouses / partners of military personnel who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of ex-military candidates / military spouses or partners, who meet all of the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group.
If you qualify for the above, please notify us on 0121 794 8181.
We will be in touch to discuss your suitability and arrange your Guaranteed Interview.
Should you require reasonable adjustments at any point during the recruitment process or if there is a more accessible way for us to communicate, please do let me know.
To apply for this role please submit your latest CV or contact Aspect Resources on 0121 794 8181
Director of Finance and Commercial in Cardiff employer: Aspect Resources
Contact Detail:
Aspect Resources Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Finance and Commercial in Cardiff
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the finance and public sector. Attend industry events or webinars where you can meet potential colleagues or stakeholders. Building these connections can give you insights into the role and may even lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends and challenges in public sector finance. Understanding current issues will help you engage in meaningful conversations during interviews and demonstrate your strategic thinking.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and experiences in managing multi-disciplinary teams. Be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully led teams through change, as this is crucial for the Director role.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the organisation's recent financial reports and strategic initiatives. This knowledge will allow you to tailor your discussions and show that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their goals.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Finance and Commercial in Cardiff
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your senior financial leadership experience, particularly in complex organisations. Emphasise your track record in financial management and delivering value for money, as these are crucial for the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, address how your strategic planning and board-level influence align with the responsibilities of the Director of Finance and Commercial. Use specific examples to demonstrate your ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams through change.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly state your qualifications, such as being a fully qualified accountant (CCAB, CIMA, or equivalent). Mention any ongoing professional development to show your commitment to staying current in the field.
Showcase Stakeholder Management Skills: Provide examples of how you have built and managed diverse stakeholder relationships in previous roles. This is essential for the position, so make sure to illustrate your ability to communicate complex financial concepts clearly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Aspect Resources
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
As a Director of Finance and Commercial, you'll need to demonstrate your senior financial leadership experience. Prepare specific examples of how you've led teams through change and influenced strategic decisions at the board level.
✨Understand Public Sector Standards
Familiarise yourself with Managing Public Money and government functional standards. Be ready to discuss how your knowledge can enhance compliance and governance within the organisation.
✨Communicate Financial Concepts Clearly
You’ll be expected to communicate complex financial concepts clearly. Practice explaining these concepts in simple terms, as you may need to convey them to stakeholders who aren't finance experts.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and judgement in risk management. Think of past experiences where you successfully navigated high-pressure situations and be ready to share those stories.
