At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and commercial activities to support MPs and enhance public confidence.
- Company: Join IPSA, a vital organisation ensuring MPs have the resources they need.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with a focus on continuous improvement and team development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on public service while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: CCAB/CIMA qualified with experience in public-sector finance and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 € per year.
Please apply online via the link provided.
The Finance and Commercial team are an enabler for IPSA, offering vital support to internal and external stakeholders to ensure MPs have the funding and services they need for their parliamentary and constituency work. The team is responsible for all aspects of financial support from management accounting, finance business partnering and financial control, setting and managing the Main Estimate, MP budgets and IPSA spend, alongside commercial activity, including procurement and contract negotiation for IPSA and MP services.
The Director, Finance and Commercial leads an efficient and effective high-performing service that delivers IPSA’s statutory responsibilities accurately and with confidence. Working with colleagues, you’ll help deliver IPSA’s vision, purpose and strategic priorities. You’ll ensure IPSA’s finance and commercial arrangements are principles-based, proportionate and compliant, supported by robust governance that delivers value for money for the taxpayer and strengthens public confidence in IPSA’s work.
This role reports directly to the CEO and Accounting Officer and has four direct reports with up to nine indirect reports. Leading a high-performing Finance and Commercial directorate through inclusive, values-led leadership, building capability, resilience and an agile culture. Shaping and delivering IPSA’s strategy and business plans, balancing transformation, regulatory change and day-to-day delivery.
Providing strong financial stewardship and corporate governance: effective budgeting and forecasting, clear risk management, and timely escalation of issues to the CEO. Clear on the principles of managing public money and considering the Accounting Officer’s position in all relevant decisions. Ensuring accurate, prompt reimbursement of MPs’ business costs and consistent, principles-based application of the Scheme, supported by high-quality management information for MPs and staff.
Delivering insightful reporting and advice to the Board, the Audit, Risk and Assurance Committee, CEO and Leadership team, enabling robust decision-making and value for money. Building trusted relationships with colleagues and stakeholders, providing a high-quality service in a high-scrutiny environment and protecting IPSA’s independence and reputation.
Responsible for continuous improvement of financial controls ensuring all controls operate effectively and provide assurance over the completeness and accuracy of all financial information including IPSA’s Annual Report and Accounts. Leading commercial activity, working with the Head of Commercial to run compliant, proportionate procurement and manage suppliers to secure value, resilience and service quality.
You’ll invest in your team, setting clear expectations, encouraging accountability, and constructively challenging behaviours and ways of working to align with IPSA’s culture. You’ll bring strong judgement, resilience, and curiosity and you’ll be comfortable challenging assumptions to help IPSA navigate opportunities and tough decisions.
With deep expertise in finance, financial risk, and commercial strategy, you’ll deliver value for money and strengthen financial capability across the organisation. You’ll have an uncompromising approach to corporate governance and risk management, working confidently with the IPSA Leadership team and Board.
The experience and technical level required for the role, along with personal qualities, skills, attributes, and qualifications are listed below:
- CCAB/CIMA (or equivalent) qualified, with senior financial leadership experience and stewardship of public money.
- Expert in public-sector financial planning, control and reporting, including budget setting and analysis to drive value for money; strong commercial/procurement capability.
- Proven delivery of transformation (including digital) and continuous improvement against clear performance measures.
- Experience in a principles-based regulatory environment, with strong grasp of governance, assurance and risk.
Commercial Manager - Finance (Permanent) employer: The Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority
As a leading employer in the public sector, IPSA offers a dynamic and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. With a focus on values-led leadership, employees are empowered to contribute to meaningful projects that enhance public confidence and deliver value for taxpayers. The hybrid working model allows for flexibility, while the commitment to continuous improvement and strong governance ensures a rewarding and impactful career in finance and commercial management.
Contact Detail:
The Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Manager - Finance (Permanent)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the finance and commercial sectors, especially those who work with IPSA or similar organisations. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that job descriptions just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching IPSA's values and recent projects. We want to see how you can align your experience with their mission. Tailor your answers to show you're not just a fit for the role, but for the culture too!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or use online resources to get comfortable with common questions. The more you rehearse, the more confident you'll feel when it’s time to shine.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to follow the process as outlined.
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Manager - Finance (Permanent)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Commercial Manager - Finance. Highlight your experience in financial leadership and public-sector financial planning, as these are key for us at IPSA.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've delivered transformation and continuous improvement in previous roles, especially in a high-scrutiny environment.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t forget to showcase your skills in budgeting, forecasting, and risk management. We want to see how you’ve used these skills to deliver value for money and strengthen financial capability.
Apply Through Our Website:Remember to apply online via the link provided! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity with IPSA.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority
✨Know Your Numbers
Make sure you brush up on your financial knowledge, especially around public-sector financial planning and budgeting. Be ready to discuss how you've managed budgets in the past and how you can drive value for money.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role requires strong leadership skills, so think about examples where you've led a team effectively. Be prepared to talk about how you build capability and resilience within your team, and how you align their work with organisational culture.
✨Understand IPSA's Vision
Familiarise yourself with IPSA’s mission and strategic priorities. During the interview, demonstrate how your experience aligns with their goals and how you can contribute to delivering their vision.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your judgement and decision-making skills, especially in high-scrutiny environments. Think of scenarios where you've had to challenge assumptions or navigate tough decisions, and be ready to share those experiences.
