Director of Finance

Job description

DCMS is a government department of around 700 people, which has grown recently and is likely to grow further. This role leads the Finance, Commercial, IT, estates, records management and security teams. 

In addition, as a member of the Departmental Board and the department’s Executive Board, the post-holder will be expected to play an active corporate role across the department. 

You will lead on the following: 

Finance 

You will be responsible for setting the overall vision and direction for Finance in DCMS. 

This will include: 

• Leading on fiscal events such as Spending Reviews, and Budgets; 

• Advising the Permanent Secretary in her role as Accounting Officer on financial issues; 

• Overseeing the production of DCMS’ consolidated accounts which cover than more than 40 bodies; 

• Working with HM Treasury; 

• Chairing the department’s Finance Committee, and driving forward a programme of reform of the Finance 
function which has included changing the outsourced provider of back office HR and Finance services, and 
improving finance business partnering; 

• Considering the replacement of EU funding streams for DCMS sectors. 

You will be head of the Finance profession in DCMS and will also play a key role across Government in developing and shaping Government Finance through the Financial Management Reform Programme. 

Commercial, IT, estates, records management and security 

The Department leads on major economic projects and placed behind BEIS as the second economic department of state. The Commercial Director in DCMS reports into this role. In addition to managing the Department’s commercial responsibilities, the Commercial Director also covers a range of other functions. In many cases (e.g. IT), the service is provided by a third party. 

The total size of the teams led by the Director of Finance is in the region of 60 people. 

To be successful you will need to be able to demonstrate your capability against the following essential criteria: 

• An outstanding leader with extensive senior management experience and a strong track record of delivery in 
a high profile, complex organisation; 

• Extensive experience of providing visible leadership to support long term strategies, with a proven 
ability to develop a motivated, engaged and high performing workforce and commitment to diversity and 
inclusion; 

• Excellent evidence based financial analysis skills with experience of formulating, leading and 
implementing strategies, policies and programmes which cross service or professional boundaries; 

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to quickly secure the confidence of 
senior internal and external stakeholders, Board-level colleagues and chief executives, building highly 
effective, influential and collaborative relationships. 

You will need to be a finance professional, with either an accountancy qualification from one of the recognised UK accountancy bodies, or part qualified with a commitment to become fully qualified as soon as possible.