Interim Finance Director

Hiring:
Finance Director - Public Sector Traded Services Group

I'm partnering with a large, commercially‑focused public sector organisation to appoint an Interim Finance Director who will play a pivotal leadership role during a period of growth, modernisation, and financial strengthening.

This is an exceptional opportunity for a finance leader who can operate confidently at executive level, while driving both financial stability and commercial performance across a diverse traded‑services portfolio.

The Role
As Finance Director, you'll lead the full breadth of financial strategy, governance, and performance for a multi‑entity group delivering a mix of commercial services and essential public functions. You'll shape long‑term financial strategy, ensure regulatory and audit compliance, provide trusted insight to the Group MD and Board, and develop a high‑performing finance team.

You will be a key voice in executive decision‑making, bringing financial discipline, challenge, and strategic foresight.

Key Accountabilities

Leading financial strategy, planning, budgeting, forecasting and modelling
Overseeing all reporting, controls, regulatory compliance & audit
Strengthening financial governance and risk management
Driving cost control, margin improvement, commercial performance & investment appraisal
Partnering with senior leaders across operations and commercial services
Leading, mentoring & developing the finance team
Supporting long‑term sustainable growth while safeguarding financial resilience

Preferred Experience
To succeed in this environment, you will bring:

A recognised professional qualification (ACCA, CIMA, ACA or equivalent)
10-15 years' progressive finance experience, with senior leadership in complex organisations
Strong understanding of UK regulations, accounting standards and compliance
Demonstrable experience managing financial operations in a multi‑entity or group structure
Proven ability to simplify complexity and influence senior stakeholders
Crucially - Traded Services + LATCO Experience
Because this organisation operates commercial service lines within a public sector framework, the client's preferred candidate for this role is one with experience in:

Local Authority Trading Companies (LATCOs), Public sector commercial subsidiaries, Council‑owned companies, Trading operations within local government.

If you understand how to balance commercial performance with public‑sector governance, accountability and statutory expectations, this role will play directly to your strengths