Head of Finance London or Edinburgh 70k + great pension

Head of Finance (FTC 12 months maternity cover). 70k + great pension |London or Edinburgh - 3 days a week onsite

Reporting to Director of Finance and Operations. Up to 2 direct reports (team of 8)

Waverly, Edinburgh, EH8 8FT, United Kingdom or South Colonnade Canary Wharf London E14 4PU

Our client is a non-ministerial government department that provides actuarial advice to other government departments and organisations in the public sector in the UK and around the world. Their mission is to support effective decision-making and robust reporting within government as the first-choice provider of actuarial and specialist analysis, advice and assurance.

The finance team is small, but it has a broad and varied remit. This is an exciting time to join the organisation - we are setting out our strategy over the next five years. We are also planning our transition to a new finance system, delivering efficiencies across the departing, enhancing decision making and transform the way we work.

This is a great opportunity to demonstrate existing financial accounting and reporting skills whilst gaining an insight into the working of a unique Arms Length Body at the heart of central government.

The successful candidate will report to and support the Director of Finance.

Key responsibilities include:

* Lead the Finance team through transition to a new finance system.

* Assure key business and system changes, working closely with colleagues across the department to ensure future changes align to relevant accounting standards, best practice and Government Functional Standards, protecting the organisation's ability to meet statutory accounting and control obligations whilst embedding best practice in financial reporting and insight.

* Lead on financial accounting, including preparation of the annual report and accounts, audit exercises, operational financial activity eg cash flow management and act as the main contact to Government Auditory bodies.

* Lead on external reporting to HM Treasury and Cabinet Office, eg Main and Supplementary Estimates, spending controls and transparency returns.

* Provision of expert technical financial advice - which can include sensitive and complex accounting and budgeting issues.

* Ensure robust stewardship of, and accounting for, public money, underpinned by effective planning and internal controls.

* Championing sound financial management across the Department, reviewing financial operations and performance and providing appropriate challenge and support.

* Provide high quality information and advice to inform the Executive committee and Board, supporting prioritisation decisions at departmental level.

* Provide inspirational leadership and act as a deputy for the Director of Finance and Operations.

* Develop and support a high performing team.