Head of Finance

Randstad has an opportunity available for a Head of Finance, Governance, Risk and Compliance to join the team at a prominent public sector organisation based in Ballymena. In this key senior leadership role, you will take full ownership of the finance function to champion long-term financial sustainability, robust governance and high standards of stewardship.

Working alongside the Senior Management Team, you will direct comprehensive financial planning, oversee major public funding budgets and lead risk and compliance frameworks across multi-site operations. This appointment is ideal for an accomplished, strategic finance leader eager to make an impact within public service while leading an established team.

Benefits

• Competitive salary of £61,000 to £64,000 per annum.
• 1-year temporary contract offering substantial senior leadership visibility and impact.
• Generous holiday allowance of 28 days annual leave plus a minimum of 11 statutory days.
• Access to a Flexible Working Hours ('Flexi') Scheme.
• Hybrid working policy offering one day per week from home during term time and increased flexibility outside term time.
• Ballymena Location (but open to conversation around one day in another campus).

Requirements

• Fully qualified CCAB accountant.
• At least 3 years of post-qualification experience leading a finance function with responsibility for an annual budget of £25 million or more.
• At least 3 years of post-qualification management experience in financial planning, financial reporting or financial management.
• Proven track record of managing risk and governance within a complex organisation with a budget over £25 million or exceeding 250 staff.
• Proven capability in preparing, interpreting and presenting high-level management information to boards and senior stakeholders.
• Flexibility to attend occasional evening meetings and travel between regional campus sites as required.
• Experience managing budgets exceeding £40 million and knowledge of the Northern Ireland public sector.

Candidates will be subject to enhanced vetting / compliance checks including an Enhanced Access NI check due to the nature of this work, this may include a Barred List check for both Children & Vulnerable Adults (depending on the role).

Responsibilities

• Lead, manage and develop the departmental finance team to ensure economic and efficient budget management across all operations.
• Formulate short, medium and three-year rolling financial plans alongside annual income, expenditure, cash flow and balance sheet forecasts.
• Produce statutory accounts, annual financial statements and regular management reports in line with audit standards and public sector guidelines.
• Manage and maintain the corporate Risk Register while overseeing comprehensive governance, insurance arrangements and internal control systems.
• Serve as the primary liaison for internal auditors, the Northern Ireland Audit Office and government sponsor departments.
• Supervise treasury operations, banking authorisations, capital asset registers and institutional funding allocations.
• Oversee payroll functions to ensure full statutory compliance with HMRC, tax and pension regulations.
• Direct procurement and tendering activity to guarantee alignment with relevant government procurement schedules and legislation.
• Provide sound financial counsel and present detailed governance reports directly to committee panels and executive directors.