The public sector client is looking to recruit a Finance Director for a 6 month temporary contract based in Cardiff. This is a hybrid position. You will based in the office for a minimum of 2/3 days per week. The successful candidate will have a valid DBS or be willing to apply for one if offered the position. This job sits inside IR35.

The successful candidate will 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.

Experience (Essential)
• Senior financial leadership in a complex organisation (preferably public sector)
• Track record in financial management
• Managing multi-disciplinary teams through change
• Strategic planning and board-level influence
• Experience in managing diverse stakeholder relationships
• Delivering strategic direction
• Promoting operational and professional excellence
Skills & Abilities (Essential)
• Strong, visible, and inclusive leadership at board level
• Strategic, analytical, and critical thinking
• Clear communication of complex financial concepts
• Pragmatic problem-solving and business insight
• Ability to manage competing priorities in a high-pressure environment
• Skilled in negotiation and influence in complex settings
• Sound judgement in risk management
• Confident and credible strategic planning influence
Knowledge & Understanding (Essential)
• Deep knowledge of financial control, reporting, and performance management
• Essential understanding of managing public money and government functional standards
• Expertise in high-value, high-risk procurement and emerging markets
• Key knowledge and an understanding of commercial, procurement, and economics functions in a public sector context

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 reviews and fee assessments.
• Act as:
• Lead Executive for the Audit and Risk Assurance Committee
• Full member of the Main Board
• Accountable Executive for risk management and corporate assurance
• Chair of the Finance and Investment Committee and Commercial Assurance Panel
• Act as corporate guardian for departmental budgets and efficiency targets, ensuring compliance with Managing Public Money.
• Drive continuous improvement in financial operations, systems, and service delivery.
• Champion value-for-money and evidence-based decision-making in all major investments and initiatives.
• Enhance commercial acumen and embed effective procurement strategies aligned with public sector best practices.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with government stakeholders to support sound financial and investment decisions.
• Ensure timely and accurate delivery of the annual report, accounts, and other statutory re-porting.