Job Specification: Head of Finance

Job Title: Head of Finance

 Department: Finance and Operations

Location: London or Edinburgh – with an expectation of 60% office attendance

Contract: Temporary maternity cover – 12 months

Hours: Full time (36 hours)

Grade: Grade 7Salary

 Range: £64,272 - £77,188 (indicative salary: £70,000)

Reporting to: Director of Finance and Operations

Responsible for: Up to 2 direct reports (team of 8)

This role is within a civil service organisation that provides specialist financial and operational advice to government departments and public sector bodies across the UK and internationally.

The Finance team has a broad and varied remit, offering a unique opportunity to work in a dynamic, commercial environment while operating within government. The organisation is currently setting its strategic direction for the next five years and transitioning to a new finance system, aiming to deliver greater efficiencies, enhance decision-making, and transform ways of working.

This is a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate your expertise in financial accounting and reporting while gaining insight into the workings of a unique government organisation.

Key Responsibilities

As the Head of Finance, you will report to and support the Director of Finance and Operations. Your main responsibilities will include:

Strategic Leadership

• Leading the Finance team through the transition to a new finance system, ensuring alignment with accounting standards and best practices.
• Championing sound financial management across the organisation, providing challenge, support, and assurance on financial operations and performance.

Financial Accounting and Reporting

• Preparing annual reports and accounts and managing audit exercises.
• Overseeing operational financial activities, such as cash flow management.
• Acting as the primary contact for external auditors and internal assurance bodies.

Technical Expertise

• Providing expert technical financial advice on complex accounting and budgeting issues.
• Leading external reporting to HM Treasury and Cabinet Office, including Main and Supplementary Estimates, spending controls, and transparency returns.

Governance and Stewardship

• Ensuring robust stewardship of public funds, supported by effective planning and internal controls.
• Protecting the organisation’s ability to meet statutory accounting and control obligations.

Advisory Support

• Delivering high-quality information and advice to inform executive and board-level decision-making.
• Supporting prioritisation decisions at a departmental level.

Team Leadership

• Providing inspirational leadership and acting as a deputy for the Director of Finance and Operations.
• Developing and supporting a high-performing team, aligned with key departmental and organisational priorities.

Person Specification

We are seeking a candidate who can demonstrate:

• Proven experience in financial leadership roles, with strong expertise in financial accounting and reporting.
• Knowledge of government accounting standards and functional frameworks (e.g., Managing Public Money).
• Experience leading complex projects, such as system transitions, and working across departments to embed best practices.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to build relationships and influence at all levels.
• Strong leadership qualities with the ability to inspire and develop high-performing teams.
• A track record of driving efficiencies, delivering high-quality outputs, and maintaining robust financial controls.