Strategic Director of Finance in Cardiff

Strategic Director of Finance in Cardiff

Cardiff Full-Time 66000 - 84000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead financial strategy and ensure effective management of public funds for economic growth.
  • Company: Join Cardiff Capital Region, a leader in sustainable development and innovation.
  • Benefits: Competitive pay, flexible work pattern, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on regional prosperity while shaping financial strategies.
  • Qualifications: Degree-level education, chartered accountancy, and senior leadership experience required.
  • Other info: Dynamic role with a focus on collaboration and strategic leadership.

The predicted salary is between 66000 - 84000 £ per year.

Neway International are seeking a Strategic Director of Finance to join our client based with Cardiff Capital Region.

Location: Sbarc | Spark, Maindy Road, Cardiff, CF24 4HQ

Hours: 37 per week

Start Date: 02 February 2026

Rate: PAYE £55.00 per hour / Limited/Umbrella £72.86 per hour

Work Pattern: 2 to 3 days in the office per week

About the Client

Cardiff Capital Region (CCR) drives economic growth, innovation, and long‑term prosperity across South East Wales. The organisation is committed to responsible stewardship of public funds, high‑quality governance, and delivering impactful investment programmes that support sustainable regional development. CCR values strategic leadership, collaboration, and a forward‑thinking approach to financial planning and resource management.

The Role

The Strategic Director of Finance (s151 Officer) will act as the Responsible Financial Officer for CCR, ensuring the proper administration of financial affairs in accordance with statutory requirements. This senior leadership role provides strategic financial direction, oversees stewardship of public funds, and supports the delivery of CCR’s long‑term economic and organisational objectives. The postholder will lead financial planning, risk, compliance, assurance, and commercial strategy, working closely with the Chief Executive, CCR Board, and regional partners.

Key Responsibilities

  • Enact the statutory role of Responsible Financial Officer (s151) for CCR, ensuring effective financial leadership across all major plans and programmes.
  • Lead the development and delivery of CCR’s Medium‑Term Financial Plan, ensuring sustainable funding and alignment with strategic objectives.
  • Shape and direct the Finance business unit, fulfilling requirements of CJC Regulations and supporting implementation of the Target Operating Model.
  • Oversee the CCR Assurance Framework and ensure compliance with the UK Government Green Book and five‑stage business case model.
  • Act as lead officer for internal audit interaction and support the development and operation of the Audit and Governance Committee.
  • Ensure compliance with all financial and contractual policies, overseeing procurement and commissioning functions.
  • Drive collaboration with s151 Officers across the 11 constituent authorities, sharing expertise and informing financial strategy.
  • Act as intelligent client for outsourced transactional services, ensuring value for money and effective service delivery.
  • Provide strategic financial advice to the Chief Executive, CCR Board, and key governance stakeholders.
  • Promote openness, probity, and public accountability across CCR’s investment portfolio.
  • Oversee financial aspects of ICT and CCR estate services, ensuring best value and robust procurement.
  • Lead liaison with the Auditor General for Wales regarding preparation of the Annual Statement of Accounts.
  • Build connections across the UK regional growth landscape to ensure CCR remains aligned with best practice and emerging opportunities.
  • Provide strong senior leadership, modelling CCR’s values and fostering a culture of openness and psychological safety.

Candidate Requirements

  • Degree‑level education or equivalent, with evidence of continuous professional development.
  • Chartered accountancy qualification.
  • Significant senior leadership experience at board or executive level in the public or private sector.
  • Proven experience shaping and delivering financial strategies that support corporate priorities.
  • Strong commercial awareness and experience engaging with developers, investors, and universities.
  • Ability to lead complex financial planning, risk management, and assurance functions.
  • Experience working within politically sensitive environments and managing competing stakeholder interests.
  • Demonstrable ability to deliver targets, prioritise projects, and lead organisational change.
  • Strong understanding of sustainable development and strategic value creation.
  • Ability to think and act strategically, providing innovative solutions to complex challenges.
  • Excellent leadership skills with the ability to motivate, develop, and support high‑performing teams.
  • Commitment to equality, diversity, and organisational values.
  • Resilient, solutions‑focused, and able to operate effectively in a dynamic environment.

Strategic Director of Finance in Cardiff employer: Neway International Ltd

Neway International offers an exceptional opportunity for the Strategic Director of Finance role within the Cardiff Capital Region, a hub for economic growth and innovation. The organisation fosters a collaborative work culture that prioritises strategic leadership and professional development, ensuring employees are equipped to drive impactful investment programmes. With a commitment to responsible stewardship and sustainable regional development, this position not only provides competitive remuneration but also the chance to make a meaningful difference in the community.
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Contact Detail:

Neway International Ltd Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Strategic Director of Finance in Cardiff

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the finance sector, especially those linked to Cardiff Capital Region. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn – you never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching CCR’s recent projects and financial strategies. Show us that you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate your understanding of their goals and how your experience aligns with their mission. Tailor your responses to highlight your strategic leadership skills.

✨Tip Number 3

Practice your pitch! You’ll want to clearly articulate your vision for financial leadership and how you can drive sustainable growth. We recommend rehearsing with a friend or mentor to get comfortable discussing your ideas and experiences.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our platform. Let’s make it happen together!

We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Director of Finance in Cardiff

Financial Leadership
Strategic Financial Planning
Risk Management
Compliance Assurance
Commercial Strategy
Stakeholder Engagement
Chartered Accountancy
Public Sector Experience
Project Prioritisation
Organisational Change Management
Sustainable Development Knowledge
Team Leadership
Problem-Solving Skills
Adaptability in Dynamic Environments

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Strategic Director of Finance role. Highlight your relevant experience in financial leadership and strategic planning, as this will show us that you understand what we're looking for.

Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; we want to see your impact! Use specific examples of how you've shaped financial strategies or led teams to success. Numbers and outcomes speak volumes!

Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and ensure your key messages shine through. This will help us quickly grasp your qualifications.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role without any hiccups!

How to prepare for a job interview at Neway International Ltd

✨Know Your Numbers

As a Strategic Director of Finance, you’ll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive strategic decisions in the past. This shows you’re not just about numbers but also about making them work for the organisation.

✨Understand CCR's Vision

Familiarise yourself with Cardiff Capital Region’s goals and recent initiatives. Be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with their mission of driving economic growth and innovation. Showing that you understand their strategic objectives will set you apart from other candidates.

✨Prepare for Scenario Questions

Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in politically sensitive environments. Think of examples where you’ve successfully navigated complex stakeholder interests or led financial planning under pressure. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.

✨Showcase Leadership Skills

This role requires strong leadership, so be ready to share examples of how you’ve motivated teams and fostered a culture of openness. Discuss your approach to developing high-performing teams and how you’ve modelled organisational values in your previous roles.

Strategic Director of Finance in Cardiff
Neway International Ltd
Location: Cardiff

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