Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and governance for a public sector client in Cardiff.
- Company: Join a dynamic public sector organisation focused on delivering lasting value.
- Benefits: Enjoy a hybrid work model and the chance to influence high-profile investments.
- Why this job: Shape strategic direction and drive meaningful change in the public sector.
- Qualifications: Must be a fully qualified accountant with executive-level experience.
- Other info: This is a 6-month contract with opportunities for professional development.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
Finance Director – Cardiff/Hybrid – 6-month contract
Cpl NI are working on behalf of a public sector client who requires a Finance Director who will be a core member of the Executive Team and the Main Board. You will play a pivotal role in shaping the strategic direction, ensuring robust financial governance, and driving value-for-money outcomes. This is a unique opportunity to influence high-profile investments, lead enterprise-wide change, and help deliver lasting public value.
Key Responsibilities
· Provide strategic leadership across Finance, Commercial, and Economics functions
· Advise the CEO and Executive Team on financial strategy, investment, and governance
- Serve as:
- Lead Executive for the Audit & Risk Assurance Committee
- Accountable Executive for risk management and corporate assurance
- Chair of the Finance & Investment Committee and Commercial Assurance Panel
- Corporate guardian for departmental budgets and efficiency compliance
· Lead high-impact commercial and economic analysis to support public sector investment
· Drive improvements in systems, reporting, and service delivery across finance operations
· Embed best practice in procurement and commercial decision-making
· Ensure full compliance with Managing Public Money, functional standards, and statutory reporting
· Cultivate strong working relationships with government and external stakeholders
· Oversee the delivery of the annual report, accounts, and corporate disclosures
Essential Experience
· Executive-level financial leadership in a complex, preferably public sector, organisation
· Proven success in financial stewardship and delivering value-for-money
· Leading multi-disciplinary teams through organisational change
· Track record of strategic planning, governance, and board-level influence
· Building high-trust relationships across internal and external stakeholders
· Promoting operational excellence and innovation
Skills & Abilities
· Inclusive, visible leadership with the ability to influence at board level
· Strong strategic, analytical, and critical thinking capabilities
· Excellent communicator of complex financial and commercial issues
· High resilience and ability to balance competing priorities under pressure
· Skilled negotiator with sound judgement in risk and governance matters
Knowledge
· Expert knowledge of financial management, control frameworks, and public accountability
· Deep understanding of Managing Public Money, government commercial standards, and public investment principles
· Insight into high-value procurement, market dynamics, and public sector commercial strategies
Qualifications
· Fully qualified accountant (CCAB, CIMA, or equivalent) – Essential
· Demonstrated commitment to ongoing professional development
If you are interested in hearing more or to be considered for this role, apply here or contact Sophie Keogh at Cpl NI.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Finance Director employer: Cpl Healthcare
Contact Detail:
Cpl Healthcare Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the public sector finance space. Attend industry events or webinars where you can meet people who are already in similar roles. This can help you gain insights into the expectations and challenges of the Finance Director position.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the specific financial governance frameworks and standards relevant to the public sector, such as Managing Public Money. Being well-versed in these will not only boost your confidence but also demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in leading multi-disciplinary teams through change. Think of specific examples where you've successfully influenced stakeholders and driven improvements in financial operations, as this will be crucial in interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your strategic thinking skills by staying updated on current trends in public sector finance. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact the organisation and how you would address them as a Finance Director.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your executive-level financial leadership experience, particularly in public sector organisations. Emphasise your success in financial stewardship and delivering value-for-money outcomes.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, address how your skills and experiences align with the key responsibilities of the Finance Director role. Mention your ability to influence at board level and your experience in leading multi-disciplinary teams through change.
Showcase Relevant Qualifications: Clearly state your qualifications, such as being a fully qualified accountant (CCAB, CIMA, or equivalent). Highlight any ongoing professional development that demonstrates your commitment to staying current in the field.
Demonstrate Strategic Thinking: Use specific examples in your application to illustrate your strategic planning capabilities and your experience with governance and board-level influence. This will show your potential employer that you can provide the strategic leadership they are looking for.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cpl Healthcare
✨Understand the Strategic Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the public sector's financial governance and strategic priorities. Be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with shaping strategic direction and driving value-for-money outcomes.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Experience
Highlight your executive-level financial leadership experience, especially in complex organisations. Share specific examples of how you've led multi-disciplinary teams through change and influenced at board level.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to discuss your approach to high-impact commercial and economic analysis. Be ready to provide examples of how your analytical skills have supported investment decisions and improved financial operations.
✨Build Relationships
Emphasise your ability to cultivate strong working relationships with stakeholders. Discuss how you’ve successfully engaged with government bodies and external partners to enhance financial governance and compliance.
