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) in Slough employer: The Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority
IPSA is an exceptional employer that prioritises a supportive and inclusive work culture, fostering professional growth and development within the Finance and Commercial team. With a commitment to delivering value for money and maintaining public confidence, employees benefit from a hybrid working model that promotes work-life balance, alongside opportunities for continuous improvement and leadership development in a high-scrutiny environment. Joining IPSA means being part of a mission-driven organisation that values integrity, accountability, and collaboration, making it a rewarding place to advance your career in public finance.
Contact Detail:
The Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Manager - Finance (Permanent) in Slough
✨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 your pitch! You never know when you might bump into someone from IPSA at an event. Have a quick summary of your skills and experiences ready to go, so you can make a great impression on the spot.
✨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 engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Manager - Finance (Permanent) in Slough
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
As a Commercial Manager in 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 requires strong leadership skills, so think about examples that highlight your inclusive, values-led approach. Be prepared to share how you've built high-performing teams and fostered an agile culture in past positions.
✨Understand IPSA's Mission
Familiarise yourself with IPSA’s vision and strategic priorities. During the interview, connect your experience to their goals, showing how you can contribute to delivering their statutory responsibilities and enhancing public confidence.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your judgement and decision-making in challenging situations. Think of specific instances where you’ve navigated complex financial issues or regulatory changes, and be ready to explain your thought process and outcomes.
