At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance and commercial strategy for a key public sector organisation.
- Company: Join IPSA, the independent body regulating MPs' funding.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid work, and a chance to impact democracy.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Shape financial governance and support democratic processes in a high-profile role.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in finance and commercial strategy required.
The predicted salary is between 110000 - 126000 £ per year.
SALARY: £110,000 - £126,000 per annum
LOCATION: Hybrid United Kingdom (multiple locations) - England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales, London. We're a fully hybrid organisation, with colleagues across all corners of the UK.
JOB TYPE: Full-Time, Permanent
WORKING HOURS: 36 Hours per Week
The Director, Finance and Commercial leads an efficient and effective high-performing service that delivers IPSA's statutory responsibilities accurately and with confidence. The role is a key member of IPSA's leadership team, attending Board meetings and committees, and representing IPSA with external partners including auditors and regulators. Working with colleagues, you’ll help deliver IPSA's vision, purpose and strategic priorities. With a strong focus on integrity, you’ll oversee an annual budget of more than £310m. You’ll ensure IPSA's finance and commercial arrangements are principles-based, proportionate and compliant, supported by robust governance that delivers value for money for the taxpayer and strengthens public confidence in IPSA's work.
Key Responsibilities
- Leading a high-performing Finance and Commercial directorate through inclusive, values-led leadership, building capability, resilience and an agile culture.
- Shaping and delivering IPSA's strategy and business plans, balancing transformation, regulatory change and day-to-day delivery.
- Providing strong financial stewardship and corporate governance: effective budgeting and forecasting, clear risk management, and timely escalation of issues to the CEO.
- Clear on the principles of managing public money and considering the Accounting Officer’s position in all relevant decisions.
- Ensuring accurate, prompt reimbursement of MPs business costs and consistent, principles-based application of the Scheme, supported by high-quality management information for MPs and staff.
- Delivering insightful reporting and advice to the Board, the Audit, Risk and Assurance Committee, CEO and Leadership team, enabling robust decision-making and value for money.
- Building trusted relationships with colleagues and stakeholders, providing a high quality service in a high-scrutiny environment and protecting IPSA's independence and reputation.
- Responsible for continuous improvement of financial controls ensuring all controls operate effectively and provide assurance over the completeness and accuracy of all financial information including IPSA's Annual Report and Accounts.
- Leading commercial activity, working with the Head of Commercial to run compliant, proportionate procurement and manage suppliers to secure value, resilience and service quality.
- Living IPSA's values: Staying Connected, Seeing the Bigger Picture, Being Open, Doing the Right Thing and Making a Difference - and demonstrating commitment to the Seven Principles of Public Life.
About IPSA – Our Background
The Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA) is the independent body that regulates and administers public funding in support of MPs parliamentary duties. Created by the Parliamentary Standards Act 2009, we make fair and impartial decisions about MPs pay, pensions and business costs.
What we’re looking for
You’ll be an accomplished leader who cares about supporting democracy and delivering regulation through excellent service. You’ll bring clarity, credibility and calm, working collaboratively in a complex, high-profile environment to deliver IPSA's strategy. With a positive influence on how our stakeholders feel about us, you’ll build trust, strengthening confidence in IPSA and democracy more widely. You’ll invest in your team, setting clear expectations, encouraging accountability, and constructively challenging behaviours and ways of working to align with IPSA's culture. You’ll bring strong judgement, resilience, and curiosity and you’ll be comfortable challenging assumptions to help IPSA navigate opportunities and tough decisions. With deep expertise in finance, financial risk, and commercial strategy, you’ll deliver value for money and strengthen financial capability across the organisation. You’ll have an uncompromising approach to corporate governance and risk management, working confidently with the IPSA Leadership team and Board. You’ll develop people and capability in the team, ensuring people live and breathe IPSA's values, perform at their best and feel valued.
Director of Finance & Commercial Strategy (Public Sector) employer: IPSA
The Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA) is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that prioritises integrity and public service. With a strong commitment to employee development and a hybrid working model across the UK, IPSA provides its team with the opportunity to lead impactful financial strategies while ensuring transparency and accountability in public funding. Join us to be part of a high-performing leadership team dedicated to making a meaningful difference in democracy and public confidence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Finance & Commercial Strategy (Public Sector)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, especially those connected to IPSA. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching IPSA’s values and recent projects. Show us you understand their mission and how your experience aligns with their goals. Tailor your responses to highlight your leadership skills and financial expertise – they want to see you shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your answers. Focus on articulating your vision for finance and commercial strategy, and how you can contribute to IPSA’s objectives. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining IPSA and are familiar with their processes. Let’s get you that interview!
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Finance & Commercial Strategy (Public Sector)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences that align with the Director of Finance & Commercial Strategy role. Highlight your leadership experience and financial expertise, as these are key for us at IPSA.
Showcase Your Values:We want to see how you embody IPSA's values in your work. Use examples from your past roles to demonstrate how you've stayed connected, seen the bigger picture, and made a difference in your previous positions.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, clarity is crucial. Keep your language straightforward and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! This ensures that your application goes directly to us and helps streamline the process. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at IPSA
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Director of Finance & Commercial Strategy, you need to be on top of your financial game. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've managed budgets in the past. Be prepared to explain your approach to financial stewardship and how it aligns with IPSA's values.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role requires strong leadership skills, so think about examples that demonstrate your inclusive and values-led approach. Prepare to discuss how you've built high-performing teams and fostered an agile culture in previous roles. Highlight your ability to inspire trust and collaboration.
✨Understand Public Sector Nuances
Familiarise yourself with the principles of managing public money and the unique challenges faced by public sector organisations. Be ready to discuss how you would ensure compliance and deliver value for taxpayers while maintaining IPSA's independence and reputation.
✨Prepare Insightful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street, so come armed with thoughtful questions that show your interest in IPSA's mission and strategic priorities. Ask about their current challenges or future initiatives, and how you can contribute to their goals. This will demonstrate your commitment to making a difference.
