At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a high-performing Finance and Commercial team to support MPs and ensure effective financial management.
- Company: Join the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority, a key player in supporting democracy.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership opportunities, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Dynamic role with a focus on continuous improvement and collaboration.
- Why this job: Shape the future of public finance while ensuring transparency and accountability.
- Qualifications: CCAB/CIMA qualified with strong leadership and financial expertise.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 100000 € per year.
The Finance and Commercial team are an enabler for IPSA, offering vital support to internal and external stakeholders to ensure MPs have the funding and services they need for their parliamentary and constituency work. The team is responsible for all aspects of financial support from management accounting, finance business partnering and financial control, setting and managing the Main Estimate, MP budgets and IPSA spend, alongside commercial activity, including procurement and contract negotiation for IPSA and MP services.
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 will help deliver IPSA's vision, purpose and strategic priorities. With a strong focus on integrity, you will oversee an annual budget of more than £310m. You will 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. This role reports directly to the CEO and Accounting Officer and has four direct reports with up to nine indirect reports.
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.
- 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.
Person specification
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 will build trust, strengthening confidence in IPSA and democracy more widely. You will invest in your team, setting clear expectations, encouraging accountability and constructively challenging behaviours and ways of working to align with IPSA's culture. You will bring strong judgement, resilience, and curiosity and will be comfortable challenging assumptions to help IPSA navigate opportunities and tough decisions. With deep expertise in finance, financial risk and commercial strategy, you will deliver value for money and strengthen financial capability across the organisation. You will have an uncompromising approach to corporate governance and risk management, working confidently with the IPSA Leadership team and Board. You will develop people and capability in the team, ensuring people live and breathe IPSA's values, perform at their best and feel valued.
Essential Criteria
- Strategic leader with a strong track record in a high‑profile, public‑facing organisation.
- CCAB/CIMA (or equivalent) qualified, with senior financial leadership experience and stewardship of public money.
- Expert in public‑sector financial planning, control and reporting, including budget setting and analysis to drive value for money; strong commercial/procurement capability.
- Inclusive, collaborative leader who inspires high‑performing teams across diverse and dispersed settings.
- Proven delivery of transformation (including digital) and continuous improvement against clear performance measures.
- Experience in a principles‑based regulatory environment, with strong grasp of governance, assurance and risk.
- Confident communicator and influencer, able to handle sensitive issues with tact and build trusted senior relationships.
Director, Finance and Commercial employer: Local Government Chronicle
As a key player in the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA), we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that champions integrity, inclusivity, and professional growth. Our dynamic work culture fosters collaboration and innovation, providing employees with opportunities to lead high-performing teams while ensuring the effective stewardship of public funds. Located in London, we offer a unique chance to contribute to the democratic process, with a strong focus on employee development and a commitment to making a meaningful impact in public service.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director, Finance and Commercial
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance and commercial sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching IPSA’s values and recent projects. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their mission. Practise common interview questions and think of examples that highlight your leadership and financial expertise.
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. Mention something specific from your conversation to remind them of your fit for the role. It shows your enthusiasm and keeps you on their radar.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got all the latest job listings, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge. Plus, it’s super easy to keep track of your applications there!
We think you need these skills to ace Director, Finance and Commercial
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in finance and commercial roles. We want to see how your skills align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Leadership Skills:As a Director, you'll need to demonstrate your leadership capabilities. Share examples of how you've led teams or projects successfully, especially in high-pressure environments. We love seeing candidates who can inspire and motivate others!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, clarity is key! Use straightforward language and get straight to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that make 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! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it helps us keep everything organised on our end!
How to prepare for a job interview at Local Government Chronicle
✨Know Your Numbers
As a candidate for the Director, Finance and Commercial role, you need to be well-versed in financial metrics and public sector budgeting. Brush up on key figures related to IPSA's budget and be prepared to discuss how you would manage a £310m budget effectively.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role requires inclusive and values-led leadership. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've built high-performing teams and fostered an agile culture in previous roles. Highlight your approach to developing people and aligning them with organisational values.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
Prepare to discuss how you would shape and deliver IPSA's strategy amidst regulatory changes and day-to-day operations. Think about past experiences where you've balanced transformation with operational delivery and be ready to articulate your thought process.
✨Build Trust and Relationships
Since this role involves working with various stakeholders, be prepared to talk about how you've built trusted relationships in high-scrutiny environments. Share examples of how you've handled sensitive issues with tact and maintained confidence in your organisation.
