At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and ensure effective budgeting for MPs' services.
- Company: Join IPSA, a vital organisation supporting parliamentary funding and services.
- Benefits: Hybrid work model, 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 finance and strengthen trust in government.
- Qualifications: CCAB/CIMA qualified with experience in public-sector finance and leadership.
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.
Finance manager (commercial accounting) in Slough employer: The Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority
IPSA is an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of inclusivity and values-led leadership, providing employees with the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in public service. With a hybrid working model in the UK, employees benefit from a supportive environment that encourages professional growth, continuous improvement, and strong financial stewardship. Joining IPSA means being part of a high-performing team dedicated to delivering value for money and enhancing public confidence, all while enjoying a collaborative atmosphere that prioritises employee well-being and development.
Contact Detail:
The Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance manager (commercial accounting) in Slough
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who have experience with public-sector roles. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching IPSA’s values and recent projects. Tailor your answers to show how your experience aligns with their mission. We want to see you shine and demonstrate that you’re the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to build confidence. Focus on articulating your financial expertise and leadership style, as these are key for the Finance Manager role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance manager (commercial accounting) in Slough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Finance Manager role. Highlight your experience in financial planning, control, and reporting, especially in a public-sector context. We want to see how your skills align with what IPSA needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for the role. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your expertise in commercial accounting and your ability to lead a high-performing team.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this role involves leading a team, make sure to highlight your leadership style and any relevant experiences. We love to see examples of how you've built capability and resilience in your previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Finance Manager, 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. This shows you’re not just familiar with numbers but can also apply them strategically.
✨Understand IPSA's Mission
Familiarise yourself with IPSA’s vision and strategic priorities. Be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals, especially in terms of public money stewardship and governance. Showing that you understand their mission will set you apart as a candidate who is genuinely interested in the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your judgement and decision-making skills, particularly in high-scrutiny environments. Think of examples where you’ve had to navigate tough decisions or manage risks effectively. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses clearly.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
Since this role involves leading a team, be ready to discuss your leadership style and how you build capability within your team. Share specific examples of how you’ve encouraged accountability and fostered an inclusive culture. This will demonstrate that you can lead effectively while aligning with IPSA’s values.
