Head of Finance and Commercial
Head of Finance and Commercial

Head of Finance and Commercial

Full-Time 72000 - 96000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Sewell Wallis Ltd

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the Finance and Commercial team, providing strategic financial insights and guiding decision-making.
  • Company: Join a public sector organisation making a real difference in South Yorkshire.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary up to £85,000, 25 days leave, and flexible hybrid working.
  • Why this job: Shape financial strategy and drive impactful decisions at the highest level.
  • Qualifications: Fully qualified accountant with public sector experience and strong leadership skills.
  • Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and collaboration.

The predicted salary is between 72000 - 96000 £ per year.

Sewell Wallis is partnering with a public sector organisation in South Yorkshire to recruit an experienced and dynamic Head of Finance and Commercial. This is a fantastic opportunity for a finance professional with a background in the public sector, looking to make a real difference.

As the Head of Finance and Commercial, you'll play a critical role in supporting senior leadership by providing valuable financial insights to guide strategic decisions. We are looking for a strategic, hands-on accounting leader with a solid grounding in both management and statutory reporting, who enjoys adding value beyond the numbers.

What will you be doing?

  • Lead and inspire the Finance and Commercial team, fostering a collaborative, accountable, and high-performance culture.
  • Work closely with the CEO and senior leadership team to help shape the organisation's financial strategy and drive the annual budget process.
  • Provide clear, actionable financial insights, including reporting, forecasting, and financial modelling to support confident decision-making at Board level.
  • Oversee the preparation of the annual financial statements and partner with external auditors for a smooth audit process.
  • Guide procurement and commercial activities to ensure best value and adherence to public sector standards and regulations.
  • Build strong, trusted relationships with key stakeholders including auditors, banking partners, pension providers, and government bodies.
  • Promote strong financial governance across the organisation, reinforcing internal controls and sharing your expertise with the wider team.

What Skills are we looking for?

  • Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA).
  • Strong background in the public sector.
  • Experience collaborating with senior leadership and influencing decision-making at the highest level.
  • Proven track record in managing and developing a finance team of 7+ people.
  • Significant experience leading a finance function, or as a deputy or second-in-command.

What's on Offer:

  • A competitive salary of up to £85,000.
  • 25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays, with the option to purchase additional leave.
  • Hybrid working with flexibility (20-40% of your time in the office).

Apply for this role below, or for more information, contact Kayley.

To apply please send your CV, quoting our reference and specifying which website you saw this position advertised on. Due to the high volume of applications please accept that if we have not responded to your application within seven days, your application has not been successful.

Head of Finance and Commercial employer: Sewell Wallis Ltd

Sewell Wallis is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where finance professionals can truly make a difference in the public sector. With a strong emphasis on collaboration and high performance, employees benefit from a supportive culture that encourages growth and development, alongside competitive salaries and flexible hybrid working arrangements. Located in South Yorkshire, the company provides ample opportunities to engage with key stakeholders and influence strategic decisions at the highest level, making it an ideal place for those looking to advance their careers while contributing to meaningful change.
Sewell Wallis Ltd

Contact Detail:

Sewell Wallis Ltd Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Finance and Commercial

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the public sector and let them know you're on the hunt for a Head of Finance and Commercial role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities or can put in a good word for you.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for those interviews by brushing up on your financial insights and strategic thinking. Be ready to discuss how you've influenced decision-making in previous roles, especially at senior levels. We want to see you shine!

✨Tip Number 3

Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on organisations that align with your values and expertise. Check out our website for roles that fit your background in the public sector. Tailor your approach to show why you’re the perfect fit!

✨Tip Number 4

Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. Share any additional insights you think might be valuable, reinforcing your enthusiasm for the role and the organisation.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance and Commercial

Financial Reporting
Budgeting
Financial Modelling
Management Accounting
Statutory Reporting
Public Sector Experience
Team Leadership
Stakeholder Management
Financial Governance
Procurement Management
Collaboration with Senior Leadership
Influencing Decision-Making
Qualified Accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA)

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Finance and Commercial role. Highlight your experience in the public sector and any leadership roles you've held. We want to see how your skills align with the job description!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've influenced decision-making and added value in previous positions. Let us see your passion for finance!

Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this role involves leading a team, make sure to highlight your experience in managing and developing finance teams. We want to know how you inspire collaboration and accountability within your team!

Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It's the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us you're serious about joining our team at Sewell Wallis!

How to prepare for a job interview at Sewell Wallis Ltd

✨Know Your Numbers

As a Head of Finance and Commercial, you’ll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics relevant to the public sector and be ready to discuss how you've used these insights to influence strategic decisions in your previous roles.

✨Showcase Leadership Skills

This role requires leading a finance team, so be prepared to share examples of how you've inspired and developed your team in the past. Highlight specific instances where your leadership made a tangible difference in performance or morale.

✨Understand the Public Sector Landscape

Familiarise yourself with the unique challenges and regulations of the public sector. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with these aspects and how you can ensure compliance while driving value for the organisation.

✨Build Relationships

Strong stakeholder management is crucial. Think about how you’ve built trust with auditors, banking partners, and government bodies in your previous roles. Prepare to discuss your approach to fostering these relationships and how it has benefited your teams.

Head of Finance and Commercial
Sewell Wallis Ltd

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