At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance governance, shape financial strategy, and ensure compliance across the organisation.
- Company: Purpose-led public sector organisation delivering vital services in Northern Ireland.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous annual leave, attractive pension, and hybrid working options.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for career growth and impactful work.
- Why this job: Join a strategic leadership role with significant influence and long-term stability.
- Qualifications: Full professional accountancy qualification and 5+ years of senior leadership experience.
The predicted salary is between 61673 - 64469 £ per year.
Hays are proud to be working with a high-profile, purpose-led public sector organisation to recruit a Head of Finance Governance. This is a unique opportunity to step into a strategic leadership role within an organisation delivering vital services across Northern Ireland, offering an excellent package including 25 days annual leave rising to 30 days plus 12 public/privilege holidays, access to a highly attractive defined benefit pension, hybrid flexible working, a 37-hour week, and a permanent full-time contract based in central Belfast.
Your new role: As a key member of the Senior Management Team, you will lead the Finance Governance function, providing strategic direction while ensuring robust financial control, compliance, and accountability across the organisation. You will play a critical role in shaping financial strategy, strengthening governance frameworks, and supporting executive leadership and the Board with expert advice.
- Leading the development and delivery of financial strategy, corporate plans, and governance frameworks
- Managing a large and complex budget (20m+), ensuring effective forecasting, reporting, and control
- Overseeing financial operations, reporting cycles, and statutory compliance
- Driving continuous improvement across systems, processes, and policies
- Leading on risk management, audit engagement, and governance assurance
- Supporting senior stakeholders, including the CEO and Board, with high-quality financial and strategic advice
- Building and maintaining strong relationships with government bodies, partners, and stakeholders
- Leading, developing, and motivating a high-performing finance and governance team
This is a highly visible leadership role with significant influence across organisational direction and performance.
What you’ll need to succeed:
- Full professional accountancy qualification (ACA / ACCA / CIMA / CIPFA or equivalent)
- At least 5 years post-qualified experience
- Proven experience managing large, complex budgets (10m+)
- Experience operating within a public-facing or service delivery environment
- Senior leadership experience advising Boards and committees on governance, finance, and risk
- Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence at senior level
Desirable:
- Experience within a public sector or regulated governance environment
- Exposure to oversight of governance processes (e.g. audit, complaints, compliance frameworks)
What you’ll get in return:
- Salary: 61,673 - 64,469
- Annual leave: 25 days rising to 30 days (plus 12 public/privilege days)
- Pension: Access to an attractive defined benefit public sector scheme
- Flexible working: Hybrid model
- Hours: 37 hours per week, Monday-Friday
- Job security: Permanent, full-time appointment
- Location: Central Belfast offices
If you’re interested in this role, click apply now to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now. If this job isn’t quite right for you but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion on your career.
Head of Finance and Governance in Belfast employer: Hays
Join a high-profile, purpose-led public sector organisation in central Belfast as the Head of Finance and Governance, where you will enjoy a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With an excellent benefits package including generous annual leave, a defined benefit pension scheme, and flexible hybrid working arrangements, this role offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact while enjoying long-term job security in a collaborative environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance and Governance in Belfast
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the finance and governance sector. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Ace the Informational Interview
Set up informal chats with people already in roles you’re eyeing. Ask them about their experiences and insights into the organisation. This not only gives you insider knowledge but also shows your genuine interest in the field. Plus, it’s a great way to get your name out there!
✨Showcase Your Expertise
Consider writing articles or sharing insights related to finance governance on platforms like LinkedIn. This positions you as a thought leader and can catch the eye of recruiters. We want to see your passion and expertise shine through!
✨Apply Through Our Website
When you find a role that excites you, make sure to apply directly through our website. It streamlines the process and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Let’s get you that dream job together!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance and Governance in Belfast
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the job description. Highlight your qualifications like ACA, ACCA, or CIMA, and showcase your experience managing large budgets. We want to see how you fit into our purpose-driven organisation!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your leadership experience can benefit our finance governance function. Keep it engaging and relevant to the job at hand.
Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills:In your application, emphasise your ability to build strong relationships with senior stakeholders. We’re looking for someone who can influence at the top level, so share examples of how you've successfully navigated complex stakeholder environments.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates regarding your application status!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Head of Finance and Governance, you’ll need to demonstrate your expertise in managing large budgets. Brush up on your financial metrics and be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed complex budgets in the past.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role requires strong leadership capabilities. Prepare to share experiences where you’ve led teams or influenced senior stakeholders. Highlight your approach to motivating teams and driving performance, especially in a public sector context.
✨Understand Governance Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with governance processes relevant to the public sector. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve engaged with audit processes and compliance frameworks, as well as how you’ve improved governance in previous roles.
✨Build Rapport with Stakeholders
Strong stakeholder management is key for this position. Think about how you can demonstrate your ability to build relationships with government bodies and other partners. Prepare examples of how you’ve influenced decision-making at a senior level.
