At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial control and ensure compliance with accounting standards at the CMA.
- Company: Join the CMA, a key player in promoting fair competition and consumer protection.
- Benefits: Flexible working, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace committed to supporting under-represented groups.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on financial governance in a dynamic and digital environment.
- Qualifications: Strong financial expertise and leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is seeking an Assistant Director, Financial Control to provide senior technical leadership for Financial Accounts at the CMA, ensuring robust statutory reporting, compliance with accounting standards, and effective financial controls.
About the CMA: We help people, businesses, and the UK economy by promoting competitive markets and tackling unfair behaviour. Our work is wide ranging, ambitious and often new and challenging. It’s a fascinating time to be at the heart of competition and consumer protection as our lives become increasingly digital and society grapples with the unique power of large technology firms. We are fully committed to being a flexible, respectful and inclusive employer. It is a priority to make our workforce as diverse as possible, and we welcome applications from under‑represented groups.
The Assistant Director, Financial Control is a key leadership role within CMA’s finance team. Working collaboratively with the Assistant Finance Director (Strategic Finance) and other Grade 6 leaders, the Assistant Director, Financial Control supports the Director of Finance, Risk, and Business Reporting by ensuring that financial accounting is integrated with business reporting, risk management, and performance frameworks to support evidence‑based decision making.
The role contributes to embedding financial accountability across the CMA, supporting the business partnering approach by ensuring robust financial controls and statutory reporting underpin the finance function's strategic advisory role. This role owns delivery of the Resource Accounts & Trust Statement, manages the relationship with the National Audit Office (NAO) on financial audit, and provides authoritative assurance to the Audit and Risk Assurance Committee (ARAC) and the Board on complex accounting matters including digital markets competition regime levy (SMS Levy), International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) 16, asset revaluations and Task Force on Climate‑related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) disclosures.
By leading Business Process and Systems Improvement (BPSI) workstreams for financial systems improvements and ensuring the quality of the Financial Accounts team, this role strengthens financial governance and enables the finance function to provide leadership insights into CMA’s strategic priorities.
Assistant Director, Financial Control in Belfast employer: COMPETITION & MARKETS AUTHORITY
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where you can make a significant impact on the UK economy and consumer protection. With a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, the CMA fosters a culture of respect and collaboration, providing ample opportunities for professional growth and development in a challenging and rewarding role. Located at the forefront of competition policy, employees benefit from engaging with complex issues while enjoying flexible working arrangements and a supportive team atmosphere.
Contact Details:
COMPETITION & MARKETS AUTHORITY Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Director, Financial Control in Belfast
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former CMA employees on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into CMA's recent projects and challenges. Show us that you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in how you can contribute to their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your STAR technique for answering competency questions. We want to hear about your past experiences and how they relate to the role of Assistant Director, Financial Control. Be specific!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the CMA team.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Director, Financial Control in Belfast
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Assistant Director, Financial Control role. Highlight your experience in financial accounting, statutory reporting, and compliance with accounting standards. We want to see how your skills align with what we’re looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about the CMA’s mission and how your background makes you a perfect fit for this leadership role. Don’t forget to mention your experience with financial governance and risk management.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As this is a senior role, we want to see examples of your leadership experience. Share specific instances where you’ve led teams or projects, especially in financial systems improvements or business process enhancements. This will help us understand your approach to leadership.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our values there!
How to prepare for a job interview at COMPETITION & MARKETS AUTHORITY
✨Know Your Financial Standards
Make sure you brush up on the latest International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and any relevant statutory reporting requirements. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you're not just familiar with the basics, but that you can lead discussions on complex accounting matters.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As an Assistant Director, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead and collaborate effectively. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams or projects in the past, especially in financial contexts. This will help illustrate your capability to support the Director of Finance and work with other leaders.
✨Understand the CMA's Mission
Familiarise yourself with the CMA's role in promoting competitive markets and tackling unfair behaviour. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their mission, particularly in relation to financial accountability and governance. This shows that you're not just looking for a job, but that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their goals.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect to face technical questions related to financial controls, risk management, and business reporting. Review common scenarios and be prepared to explain how you would approach them. This will demonstrate your analytical skills and readiness to tackle the challenges of the role head-on.
