Role: Director of Finance and Commercial; Contract Length: 6 months (ext tbc); Location: 2/3 days a week in the Cardiff Office; Security Clearance: SC required in post.Job Purpose

To provide strategic leadership and management of all financial, commercial, and economic activities within the agency. The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) ensures robust financial stewardship, effective governance, and value-for-money decision-making, enabling the organisation to achieve its objectives during a period of significant transformation.Key Responsibilities

Lead the Finance, Commercial, and Economics functions, ensuring compliance with legal, regulatory, and government standards.Provide strategic financial guidance to the CEO and Executive Team, supporting spending re-views and fee assessments.Act as:Lead Executive for the Audit and Risk Assurance CommitteeFull member of the Main BoardAccountable Executive for risk management and corporate assuranceChair of the Finance and Investment Committee and Commercial Assurance PanelAct as corporate Client for departmental budgets and efficiency targets, ensuring compliance with Managing Public MoneyDrive continuous improvement in financial operations, systems, and service deliveryChampion value-for-money and evidence-based decision-making in all major investments and initiativesEnhance commercial acumen and embed effective procurement strategies aligned with public sector best practicesBuild and maintain strong relationships with government stakeholders to support sound financial and investment decisionsEnsure timely and accurate delivery of the annual report, accounts, and other statutory reportingPerson Specification

Experience (Essential)Senior financial leadership in a complex organisation (preferably public sector)Proven track record in financial management and delivering value for moneyLeading multi-disciplinary teams through changeStrategic planning and board-level influenceBuilding and managing diverse stakeholder relationshipsShaping and delivering strategic directionPromoting operational and professional excellenceSkills and Abilities (Essential)Strong, visible, and inclusive leadership at board levelStrategic, analytical, and critical thinkingClear communication of complex financial conceptsPragmatic problem-solving and business insightAbility to manage competing priorities in a high-pressure environmentSkilled in negotiation and influence in complex settingsSound judgement in risk managementConfident and credible strategic planning influenceKnowledge and Understanding (Essential)Deep knowledge of financial control, reporting, and performance managementStrong understanding of Managing Public Money and government functional standardsExpertise in high-value, high-risk procurement and emerging marketsUnderstanding of commercial, procurement, and economics functions in a public sector contextQualificationsFully qualified accountant (CCAB, CIMA, or equivalent) - EssentialEvidence of ongoing professional development - EssentialCriteriaSenior financial leadership in a complex organisation (preferably public sector) EssentialProven track record in financial management and delivering value for money EssentialLeading multi-disciplinary teams through change EssentialStrategic planning and board-level influence EssentialBuilding and managing diverse stakeholder relationships EssentialShaping and delivering strategic direction EssentialPromoting operational and professional excellence EssentialQualified accountant DesirablePublic sector experience DesirableCommercial background DesirableSkills and Systems Experience

Previous Authority Experience Ideally within public sector and complex organizationsAdditional Qualifications

Professional Qualification - Fully qualified accountantExperience in lieu of formal qualification May be considered if highly relevant

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