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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and operations, ensuring compliance and value-for-money decisions.
- Company: Join a dynamic agency undergoing significant transformation in Cardiff.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a leadership role while shaping financial strategies in the public sector.
- Qualifications: Must be a fully qualified accountant with senior financial leadership experience.
- Other info: This is a 6-month contract with potential for further opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
Job Description
Role: Finance Director
Contract Length: 6 months
Location: Cardiff Hybrid(2/3 days a week in the office)
Job Purpose
To provide strategic leadership and management of all financial, commercial, and economic activi-ties within the agency. The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) ensures robust financial stewardship, ef-fective governance, and value-for-money decision-making, enabling the organisation to achieve its objectives during a period of significant transformation.
Key Responsibilities
Lead the Finance, Commercial, and Economics functions, ensuring compliance with legal, regulatory, and government standards.
Provide strategic financial guidance to the CEO and Executive Team, supporting spending reviews and fee assessments.
Act as:
Lead Executive for the Audit and Risk Assurance Committee
Full member of the Main Board
Accountable Executive for risk management and corporate assurance
Chair of the Finance and Investment Committee and Commercial Assurance Panel
Act as corporate guardian for departmental budgets and efficiency targets, ensuring com-pliance with Managing Public Money.
Drive continuous improvement in financial operations, systems, and service delivery.
Champion value-for-money and evidence-based decision-making in all major investments and initiatives.
Enhance commercial acumen and embed effective procurement strategies aligned with public sector best practices.
Build and maintain strong relationships with government stakeholders to support sound FI-nancial and investment decisions.
Ensure timely and accurate delivery of the annual report, accounts, and other statutory re-porting.
Person Specification
Experience (Essential)
Senior financial leadership in a complex organisation (preferably public sector)
Proven track record in financial management and delivering value for money
Leading multi-disciplinary teams through change
Strategic planning and board-level influence
Building and managing diverse stakeholder relationships
Shaping and delivering strategic direction
Promoting operational and professional excellence
Skills & Abilities (Essential)
Strong, visible, and inclusive leadership at board level
Strategic, analytical, and critical thinking
Clear communication of complex financial concepts
Pragmatic problem-solving and business insight
Ability to manage competing priorities in a high-pressure environment
Skilled in negotiation and influence in complex settings
Sound judgement in risk management
Confident and credible strategic planning influence
Knowledge & Understanding (Essential)
Deep knowledge of financial control, reporting, and performance management
Strong understanding of Managing Public Money and government functional standards
Expertise in high-value, high-risk procurement and emerging markets
Understanding of commercial, procurement, and economics functions in a public sector context
Qualifications
Fully qualified accountant (CCAB, CIMA, or equivalent) – Essential
Evidence of ongoing professional development – Essential
If you are interested please apply with your CV
Finance Director employer: Michael Bailey Associates
Contact Detail:
Michael Bailey Associates Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the public sector finance community. Attend industry events or webinars where you can meet potential colleagues and stakeholders. Building these connections can give you insights into the role and may even lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends and challenges in public sector finance. Understanding current issues will help you engage in meaningful conversations during interviews and demonstrate your strategic thinking capabilities.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in leading teams through change. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully managed financial operations and improved efficiency in previous roles, as this is crucial for the Finance Director position.
✨Tip Number 4
Research StudySmarter's values and mission. Tailoring your discussions around how your leadership style and financial expertise align with our goals can set you apart from other candidates and show your genuine interest in joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your senior financial leadership experience, particularly in complex organisations. Emphasise your track record in financial management and delivering value for money, as these are crucial for the Finance Director role.
Showcase Relevant Skills: Clearly outline your skills in strategic planning, analytical thinking, and stakeholder relationship management. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you've led multi-disciplinary teams through change and influenced at board level.
Highlight Qualifications: Ensure you mention your qualifications prominently, especially if you are a fully qualified accountant (CCAB, CIMA, or equivalent). Include any evidence of ongoing professional development to show your commitment to the field.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that addresses the key responsibilities of the role. Discuss your approach to financial stewardship, governance, and decision-making, and how you can drive continuous improvement in financial operations.
How to prepare for a job interview at Michael Bailey Associates
✨Demonstrate Strategic Leadership
As a Finance Director, showcasing your strategic leadership skills is crucial. Prepare examples of how you've led financial teams through complex changes and influenced board-level decisions. Highlight your ability to align financial strategies with organisational goals.
✨Showcase Financial Acumen
Be ready to discuss your deep knowledge of financial control and performance management. Use specific instances where you have successfully implemented value-for-money initiatives or improved financial operations. This will demonstrate your expertise in managing public money effectively.
✨Communicate Clearly
Given the complexity of financial concepts, practice explaining these in a clear and concise manner. You may be asked to simplify intricate financial data for non-financial stakeholders, so being able to communicate effectively is key.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Engagement
Building relationships with government stakeholders is part of the role. Think of examples where you've successfully managed diverse stakeholder relationships and how you navigated competing priorities. This will show your capability in fostering collaboration and trust.
