Head of Finance

Are you ready to lead a finance team at the heart of central government? 

Head of Finance

Location: London (E14)Contract: Temporary – 12 monthsHours: Full time (36 hours per week)Salary Range: £70k +

This role offers a unique opportunity to guide a finance team through significant transitions and contribute to strategic financial planning. You’ll be at the forefront of financial management, ensuring alignment with accounting standards and Government Functional Standards.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the Finance team through the transition to a new finance system.
• Assure key business and system changes.
• Oversee financial accounting tasks, including the preparation of the annual report and accounts, managing audit exercises, and operational financial activities such as cash flow management.
• Act as the main contact for the National Audit Office (NAO) and Government Internal Audit Agency (GIAA).
• Handle external reporting to HM Treasury and the Cabinet Office, including Main and Supplementary Estimates, spending controls, and transparency returns.
• Provide expert technical financial advice on sensitive and complex accounting and budgeting issues.
• Ensure robust stewardship of public funds, underpinned by effective planning and internal controls.
• Provide high-quality information and advice to the Executive Committee and Board to support prioritisation decisions at the departmental level.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• Proven experience in financial management and accounting within a government or public sector environment.
• Strong leadership skills with experience managing teams through significant organisational changes.
• In-depth knowledge of government financial regulations, standards, and processes.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, capable of working collaboratively across departmental lines.
• Ability to provide strategic financial advice and make decisions that align with organisational goals.
• Experience with system transitions and implementing new financial processes.