At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategies and support major procurement projects in a dynamic team.
- Company: Join the Department for Work and Pensions, a key player in public sector finance.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and a strong pension scheme.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with excellent learning and growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on public services while developing your finance career.
- Qualifications: CCAB/CIMA qualified or part-qualified accountants welcome.
The predicted salary is between 50400 - 61600 £ per year.
Location: Blackpool; Leeds; Manchester; Newcastle upon Tyne; Sheffield; Glasgow
Salary: 45,225
Employment: Full time
Category: Finance Manager
Posted: 2026-11-04
Valid to: 2026-11-19
Employer: Department for Work and Pensions
We are excited to announce that we are currently seeking a qualified Commercial Financial Manager to join our Commercial Finance team at the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). The Commercial Finance team is a small team with a big remit. Our team plays a crucial role operating across critical commercial projects and procurement activities, providing colleagues with financial guidance and support across the entire life cycle of commercial contracts.
The Commercial Finance Manager (SEO) will primarily focus on supporting financial negotiating and assessing financial viability of major contractors, supporting the Health workstreams within the Commercial Finance team.
The role will be to support:
- Commercial finance engagement on major program procurements (ranging from hundreds of millions to billions in contractual value)
- Manage multiple relationships across DWP, in particular, with key senior stakeholders within Finance, Commercial and Policy communities
- Act as a trusted partner to commercial teams as they manage supplier on commercial agreements.
Colleagues have joined us from a variety of backgrounds, sectors and specialisms; they enjoy the exposure and stretch opportunity this position provides. Your learning, development and career growth journey doesn’t end when you join DWP. It’s just getting started. Everyone in DWP gets a guaranteed 5-days learning per year when they want to expand their accounting skills, and the reality is you’ll have access to as much learning as you want.
This post is challenging. It will require pro-active and innovative thinking, with excellent communication skills and an outgoing and enthusiastic approach to financial challenges. The role and responsibilities for this position include, but are not restricted to:
- You’ll be working in a small team of accountants providing advice to the Head of Commercial Finance, on the safe delivery of bn’s worth of contracted services.
- You’ll support standardising the approach to commercial finance modelling activities across DWP’s major programmes.
- Support the delivery of financial analysis and cost intelligence projects across high-value procurement activities together with assessing supplier financial viability.
- Provide support for commercial finance engagement with stakeholders.
- Provide specialist advice and guidance to stakeholders and the wider organisation.
- Collaborate on the design of financial analysis during tender rounds and in-life contract management.
- Work with operational colleagues to support the design of robust and fair payment mechanisms.
To be successful, you must demonstrate your experience matching ALL of the Essential Skills listed below:
- Data analysis, supporting the creation of bespoke analysis.
- Conducting financial analysis to evaluate the financial health of Suppliers.
- Financial modelling experience.
- Experience in raising financial and commercial awareness across stakeholders.
- Strong Excel skills.
- Confident in creating clear, engaging presentations using PowerPoint.
Qualifications: This role is open to CCAB / CIMA qualified accountants or part-qualified accountants who are still studying. You must hold a full chartered level qualification, or be studying for a professional qualification, awarded by a UK-recognised accountancy body.
Alongside your salary of 45,225, Department for Work and Pensions contributes 13,101 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Our team loves the ability to balance their life and their work, with flexible hours, flex-friendly, hybrid working and lots more.
Location: You’ll join us in one of our brilliant DWP hub locations of Blackpool, Glasgow, Leeds, Newcastle, Manchester or Sheffield. Applicants should apply for suitable posts where they can travel to and from their home office location daily within a reasonable time.
At the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) we value diversity and inclusion and actively encourage and welcome applications from everyone, including those that are underrepresented in our workforce.
Commercial Finance Manager in Leeds employer: DWP Digital
DWP is an exceptional employer that champions innovation and collaboration within its digital teams. With a strong focus on employee growth, we offer extensive training opportunities and a supportive work culture that values fresh ideas and cutting-edge technology. Working from home allows for a flexible work-life balance, making it an ideal environment for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the realm of data solutions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Finance Manager in Leeds
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like DWP Digital. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Finance Manager in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to DWP Digital.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on DWP Digital's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at DWP Digital
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with DWP Digital.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at DWP Digital will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former DWP Digital employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
