At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a high-performing finance team, ensuring effective budgeting and financial stewardship.
- Company: Join IPSA, a vital organisation supporting MPs with funding and services.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with a focus on continuous improvement and strong team investment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on public finance and governance while shaping IPSA's future.
- Qualifications: CCAB/CIMA qualified with senior financial leadership experience in the public sector.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 € per year.
Please apply online via the link provided. Before applying for this role, please read the following information about this opportunity found below.
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.
Manager of commercial finance employer: The Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority
IPSA is an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of inclusivity and values-led leadership, making it an ideal place for professionals seeking to make a meaningful impact in public finance. With a hybrid working model in the UK, employees benefit from a supportive environment that prioritises professional growth, continuous improvement, and strong financial stewardship, all while ensuring compliance and delivering value for taxpayers. Join IPSA to be part of a high-performing team dedicated to enhancing public confidence and driving strategic priorities in a dynamic and high-scrutiny setting.
Contact Detail:
The Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Manager of commercial finance
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the finance and commercial sectors, especially those who work at IPSA or similar organisations. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info that could make your application stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching IPSA’s values and recent projects. We want to see how you align with our mission and how you can contribute to our goals. Tailor your responses to show you’re not just a fit for the role, but for the team too!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your financial storytelling! Be ready to discuss your past experiences in managing budgets and leading teams. Use specific examples that highlight your skills in financial stewardship and governance – we love a good success story!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to IPSA’s mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Manager of commercial finance
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully:Before you dive into your application, take a good look at the job description. Make sure you understand what we're looking for in a Manager of Commercial Finance and how your skills align with our needs.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Don’t just send out a generic CV! We want to see how your experience fits with the role. Highlight relevant achievements and use language from the job description to show us you’re the perfect match.
Showcase Your Financial Expertise:Since this role is all about finance and commercial strategy, make sure to emphasise your qualifications and experience in these areas. We love seeing examples of how you've delivered value for money and managed public funds.
Apply Through Our Website:When you're ready to submit your application, make sure to do it through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss any important steps!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Manager of Commercial Finance, you'll need to demonstrate your expertise in financial planning and control. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've used them to drive value for money in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role involves leading a high-performing team, so be prepared to share examples of your leadership approach. Talk about how you’ve built capability and resilience within your teams, and how you encourage accountability and challenge behaviours.
✨Understand IPSA's Mission
Familiarise yourself with IPSA’s vision and strategic priorities. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals and how you can contribute to delivering their statutory responsibilities effectively.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your judgement and decision-making skills, especially in high-scrutiny environments. Think of specific situations where you had to navigate tough decisions or manage risks, and be ready to explain your thought process.
