Executive Director Finance & Commercial

On behalf of The Home Office, we are looking for an Executive Director Finance & Commercial (Inside IR35) for a 5‑6 month contract with office attendance typically 2‑4 days per month with travel to offices in Liverpool, Doncaster or London.

The first duty of Government is to protect the public. Since 1782, the Home Office has led work to keep the country safe from those who seek to do it harm; in doing so we make a vital contribution to HM Government's plan for a stronger, fairer, outward‑looking and united Britain. The Home Office covers three systems – Homeland Security, Public Safety and Borders, and Immigration and Citizenship – which work collaboratively to deliver cross‑cutting priorities while providing increasingly efficient and secure services for the public.

These are difficult areas that can rapidly change in the global environment we work in – making this one of the most exciting and stimulating government departments to work for.

• Provide strategic financial and commercial leadership, acting as principal adviser to the Accounting Officer on financial strategy, governance and organisational performance.
• Lead delivery of the 2026/2027 Budget, ensuring financial sustainability, robust planning and alignment with strategic priorities.
• Oversee production of the Annual Report & Accounts, ensuring statutory compliance, high‑quality disclosures and effective audit coordination.
• Develop and deliver commercial strategy, including negotiating and securing commercial contracts for the new technology platform.
• Lead and develop the Finance & Commercial Services directorate, embedding the Risk, Assurance and Facilities function by 31 March 2026.
• Produce an overarching business case for restructuring the Finance & Commercial Services directorate to enhance capability, efficiency and governance.
• Ensure strong financial controls, risk management and compliance frameworks across the organisation, driving value for money and operational excellence.

• Qualified accountant (CCAB, CIMA, or equivalent) with substantial post‑qualification experience.
• SC Cleared or willing and able to obtain SC clearance.
• Demonstrable track record in senior finance and/or commercial leadership roles within complex or regulated environments.
• Strong knowledge of financial management, governance, risk, and compliance frameworks.
• Significant experience leading multi‑disciplinary teams and implementing financial and commercial strategies.
• Proven ability to develop commercial strategies, negotiate high‑value contracts, and build influential external partnerships.
• Exceptional communication, leadership and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to influence at Board and Executive level.
• Experience of delivering large‑scale financial planning, statutory accounts and audit processes.

• Senior level experience within a regulatory body, executive agency, or non‑departmental public body (NDPB).
• Experience overseeing transformation programmes, directorate restructures or cross‑functional integration.
• Track record delivering technology‑related commercial or financial programmes.

This role can only be worked within the UK and not overseas.

Disability Confident – As a member of the Disability Confident Scheme, the Home Office guarantees to interview all candidates who have a disability and who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy.

Armed Forces Covenant – The Home Office guarantees to interview veterans or spouses/partners of military personnel who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy.

In applying for this role, you acknowledge that the position falls within the scope of the Off Payroll Working in the Public Sector legislation. Any rates of payment quoted will reflect the gross rate per day for the assignment and will be subject to appropriate taxes and statutory costs.