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- Tasks: Lead the Finance team and drive digital transformation for a progressive union.
- Company: Join PCS, a union committed to collaboration, integrity, and social impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in financial leadership while supporting thousands of members.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant or MBA with 5 years of finance management experience.
- Other info: Dynamic role with excellent career growth and a commitment to equality.
The predicted salary is between 63279 - 72098 £ per year.
The Finance team provides finance and budgeting support to staff, managers and members of PCS. The department is about to embark on a digital transformation that will modernise how the Finance department operates for the Union. We are looking for a Head of Finance that will drive and lead this project whilst maintaining continuity of service operation to the union, members and staff and, to join a progressive union that values collaboration, integrity, and social impact.
Salary and Location
Band 5, London Spine points 21-17 or Regional Spine points 23-19. Starting salary: London £63,279 p.a. rising to £72,098 p.a. or Regional £58,877 p.a. rising to £67,689, in annual increments (pay award pending). PCS Clapham or Regional office.
Successful candidates for the post of Head of Finance will be able to demonstrate:
- You are a qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, ACMA, CIPFA) and or have an MBA with: 5 years proven experience of managing a successful finance team.
- Proven experience in strategic financial leadership.
- Strong knowledge of financial systems, compliance, and reporting.
- Project management and delivery in a financial setting.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Management of internal and external audit processes.
- A commitment to equality, inclusion, and the values of the trade union movement.
The main duties of the Head of Finance role include:
- Strong leadership and effective management of the finance team.
- Lead and manage the implementation and optimisation of a new finance system to ensure cost-efficiency through service reviews and technology adoption.
- Deliver strategic financial advice to senior stakeholders.
- Lead the unions financial services, focusing on complex and high-impact areas.
- Support medium and long-term financial planning for the Director of Central Services and Senior Management Team.
- Oversee management accounts, year-end financial reports, and budget cycles.
- Ensure compliance with VAT, Corporation Tax, PAYE, and regulatory reporting (e.g., AR21).
- Provide accurate financial data and strategic insights to decision-makers.
- Strengthen audit processes and investment oversight.
- Ensure integrity in transaction processing and ledger management.
- Maintain compliance with data protection and service level agreements.
- Support supplier relationship management.
Excellent people and leadership skills combined with strong analytical skills, problem solving ability, and an understanding of up-to-date finance technology will all be essential requirements for a successful Head of Finance.
Closing date: at 12 midday on Thursday 12 March 2026.
Interviews will be held in person at PCS Clapham: Wednesday 25 March 2026.
About PCS
PCS is the Public and Commercial Services Union, representing many thousands of members working in the civil service and related areas.
Employer Benefits
You will have access to a generous package of staff benefits including flexible working (including hybrid working), childcare and family support, generous maternity/paternity leave, 32 days leave and Christmas closure, pension scheme, employee assistance programme.
Learning and Development
The union offers a wide range of learning and development opportunities. We will work with you to support your continued professional development.
PCS Recruiting Process
We use CVMinder to manage all recruitment activities. It helps us to maintain our commitment to equality and diversity by ensuring that we are fair and compliant with our recruiting practices. Applications must be received by the closing date and time specified. Candidates invited for interview are required to make themselves available on the date/s specified. Interview dates cannot be changed to accommodate candidates who are unavailable to attend on the specified date. CVs will not be accepted. Please see the job description/person specification and follow the application process. PCS is working towards equal opportunities and is positive about disabled people. All posts can be considered on a full-time, part-time or job share basis.
Please view our guidance for applicants.
Person Specification:
ESSENTIAL FACTORS
- QUALIFICATION: Qualification in Finance and/or Business Management (ACA, ACCA, ACMA, CIPFA) and/or MBA with minimum of 5 years' proven management experience in finance.
- EXPERIENCE: People management including induction, work allocation, appraisal and conduct. Experience of working at strategic management level in finance. Management accounts production and compilation of year end accounts, external reports and audit processes. Management of payroll and pensions administration. Project management and delivery in a financial setting.
- TRAINING: Evidence of ongoing training and continuing professional development. Commitment to undertake job-related training. Commitment to participation in appraisal and development review process. Commitment to staff development.
- KNOWLEDGE: Management Accountancy. Financial management and taxation including VAT, Corporate tax and PAYE compliance. Contract and regulatory compliance management. Impact and use of Financial Digital and IT applications. An understanding of and a commitment to trade unions.
- SKILLS: Ability to communicate effectively using written and oral channels, including reports and presentations, with a variety of audiences. Ability to negotiate and form effective working relationships internally and externally. Ability to provide strategic and policy implementation advice and guidance. Proficient with Reporting, Data Analytics tools and performance metrics. Ability to deliver and adapt financial training to audiences without financial knowledge/expertise.
- OTHER: Commitment to the application of Equal Opportunities policies and practices at work. Understanding of own role in maintaining legal compliances within PCS (e.g. data protection; health and safety). Flexible approach to work and willing to work outside of normal office hours and location on occasions.
Head of Finance in London employer: Public and Commercial Services Union
Contact Detail:
Public and Commercial Services Union Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector and let them know you're on the hunt for the Head of Finance role. 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 those interviews! Research the PCS Union and its values, especially around collaboration and social impact. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their mission and how you can lead their digital transformation.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your leadership skills! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've successfully managed finance teams and driven strategic change. Highlight your project management experience to demonstrate your ability to oversee the implementation of new systems.
✨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 the PCS team and contributing to their goals.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in finance management and digital transformation. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at PCS!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As the Head of Finance, you'll be leading a team, so don’t forget to mention your people management experience. Share examples of how you've motivated teams and driven strategic change in previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and structure your thoughts logically. We appreciate a well-organised application that gets straight to the point!
Apply Through Our Website: Remember to submit your application via our website. It’s the best way to ensure it reaches us directly and is considered in our recruitment process. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Public and Commercial Services Union
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Head 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 them in past roles. Prepare examples of how you've managed budgets, forecasts, and audits to show your strategic thinking.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role requires strong leadership, so think about times when you've successfully led a team or project. Be prepared to share specific examples of how you've motivated your team, managed conflicts, or implemented changes that improved efficiency.
✨Understand the Digital Transformation
Since the Finance department is undergoing a digital transformation, research the latest financial technologies and systems. Be ready to discuss how you would approach implementing new systems and ensuring a smooth transition while maintaining service continuity.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Effective communication and stakeholder engagement are crucial for this role. Prepare to discuss how you've built relationships with various stakeholders in the past. Think about how you can convey complex financial information in an accessible way to non-financial colleagues.