At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial control and reporting for a major restoration project.
- Company: Join the team preserving the iconic Palace of Westminster.
- Benefits: Generous salary, 30 days holiday, hybrid working, and extensive perks.
- Other info: Diverse team environment with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on a historic project while advancing your finance career.
- Qualifications: Degree in Finance/Accounting or Chartered Accountant with significant experience.
The predicted salary is between 130000 - 130000 £ per year.
We're now looking for a Head of Finance to join our Finance Team. As the deputy to the Finance Director, you will own and oversee the financial control environment to ensure that the financial outturn of the Delivery Authority is accurately reported and forecast. Financial scrutiny will be applied to the Programme Estimate, and relationships will be successfully developed and managed with the DA Executive, Board, House teams, and wider Programme stakeholders.
Adopt an analytical approach to understanding what needs to be done and be the driving force to make it happen to support the wider business objectives of the multi-billion-pound Restoration and Renewal Programme.
The following skills and experience are essential to your success in this role:
- Educated to degree level in Finance/Accounting or a fully qualified Chartered Accountant with a recognised accountancy body (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
- Substantial post-qualified experience as a Financial Controller or equivalent role in a large complex public sector organisation or a large infrastructure capital programme.
- Excellent verbal, numerical, written communication and engagement skills.
- Able to build and maintain strong relationships, manage complex stakeholders and use advanced communication skills to leverage resources and networks to deliver business objectives.
- Advanced proficiency in using Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
- Works well under pressure and able to prioritise multiple activities to meet or exceed deadlines, with strong time and project skills.
- Agile and flexible approach to work, with experience of working in an unstructured and ever-changing environment.
- Demonstrate a blend of technical financial management, systems management and planning and analysis skills.
- Experience leading, mentoring and managing a finance team, promoting development and continuous improvement within the finance function.
Salary circa £130,000 per annum.
Benefits include:
- Time off and Flexibility - 30 days holiday plus public holidays, Hybrid working with minimum 2 days in office.
- Recognition and Financial Rewards - Pension - up to 10% employer contribution, Life assurance of 4 x salary, Group income protection, Professional membership fees, discretionary bonus scheme, financial wellbeing assistance, retail, gym & travel discounts, Season ticket loan, Electrical Vehicle Scheme, Smart Tech purchase scheme, Cycle to work scheme and up to 5 days paid volunteering leave.
- Health and Wellbeing - Employee Assistance Programme & Online GP.
We look forward to receiving your completed application by 12 noon on 28 September 2026. We are committed to promoting diversity and equal opportunities in employment. We are building diverse teams and seek to attract and retain talented individuals from a range of backgrounds and cultures to join us on this hugely challenging and important project.
Successful candidates will be required to complete security vetting to a minimum Counter Terrorist Check (CTC) level obtained through the Parliamentary Security Department (PSD). Candidates are required to pass these checks before a start date can be confirmed. Applicants should also be aware that, depending on the role applied for, if they have resided outside of the UK for a total of more than two of the last five years, they may not be eligible for vetting.
The Palace of Westminster, one of the best recognised buildings in the world, needs essential restoration to preserve it for future generations. The Palace has a rich and remarkable history. Westminster Hall is over 900 years old and has been the scene of great moments in our country's political life. The Restoration and Renewal Programme is carrying out the tens of thousands of hours of complex building surveys and investigations needed to inform future decisions on the restoration work needed.
Head of Finance employer: Houses of Parliament Restoration and Renewal
Working at the Houses of Parliament Restoration and Renewal offers a unique opportunity to contribute to one of the UK's most iconic institutions while enjoying a collaborative and inclusive work culture. Employees benefit from professional development opportunities, a commitment to work-life balance, and the chance to make a meaningful impact through innovative data solutions in a historic setting.
Contact Details:
Houses of Parliament Restoration and Renewal Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance
✨Tip Number 1: Tap Into Professional Networks
The finance world loves a good connection, so jump into industry-specific groups on platforms like LinkedIn where you can find discussions on financial controlling. Engaging in these communities can expose you to hidden job leads that aren't openly advertised!
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Consider writing articles or sharing insights related to financial controlling or industry trends. Publish these on platforms like LinkedIn to establish yourself as a knowledgeable player in the field. This not only increases your visibility but also catches the attention of recruiters from Houses of Parliament Restoration and Renewal.
✨Tip Number 4: Apply Directly on Company Websites
Since you're going for a full-time gig, don't forget to keep an eye on the careers page of companies you're interested in, like Houses of Parliament Restoration and Renewal. Many companies prefer candidates who apply through their website as it shows genuine interest and makes your application stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers Game:In financial controlling, detail is everything! Make sure your CV showcases your proficiency with numbers—highlight any relevant experience in budgeting, forecasting, or working with financial software. Quantifying your past achievements will make you stand out, so don’t be shy about flaunting those impressive percentages or cost savings you've implemented.
Tailored Cover Letter is Key:Your cover letter is a chance to shine, especially for a full-time role. Use it to express your genuine interest in Houses of Parliament Restoration and Renewal and the specific impact you hope to make in financial controlling. Mention any relevant qualifications or experiences that align with the company’s goals, and don’t forget to show that you're ready for a long-term commitment!
Certifications Matter:List relevant certifications such as ACCA or CIMA on your CV. These qualifications not only showcase your dedication to the field but also your technical competence in financial principles. If you have any ongoing training or courses, make sure to mention those as well to demonstrate your commitment to continual learning in financial controlling.
Don’t Overlook Soft Skills:While numbers are crucial, so are those soft skills! Financial controllers need strong communication and analytical reasoning abilities. We recommend embedding examples of these skills in your CV and cover letter, like how you’ve successfully delivered financial reports to stakeholders or collaborated with teams to improve processes. Let’s show Houses of Parliament Restoration and Renewal how you can be a team player!
How to prepare for a job interview at Houses of Parliament Restoration and Renewal
✨Brush Up on Technical Skills
Make sure you're comfortable with key financial concepts, especially around forecasting, budgeting, and variance analysis. Sometimes, interviewers may throw in technical questions or case studies, so practicing these types of scenarios will help you shine!
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✨Know Your Numbers
In full-time interviews, especially in financial controlling, be prepared for numerical reasoning tests or questions. Brush up on your mental maths and understand how to interpret and analyse financial statements on the spot, as this may come up during the assessment.
✨Connect with Company Goals
Familiarise yourself with Houses of Parliament Restoration and Renewal's financial objectives and any recent developments. During the interview, try to weave your understanding of their business model and challenges into your answers—this shows your genuine interest and alignment with their goals!
