Your newpany
Hays are proud to be working with a high-profile, purpose-led public sector organisation to recruit a Head of Finance &ernance. This is a unique opportunity to step into a strategic leadership role within an organisation delivering vital services across Northern Ireland, offering an excellent package including 25 days’ annual leave rising to 30 days plus 12 public/privilege holidays, access to a highly attractive defined benefit pension, hybrid flexible working, a 37-hour week, and a permanent full-time contract based in central Belfast —making it an ideal opportunity for a senior finance professional seeking both long-term stability and a genuinely rewarding, purpose-driven role.
Your new role
As a key member of the Senior Management Team, you will lead the Finance &ernance function, providing strategic direction while ensuring robust financial control,pliance, and accountability across the organisation.You will play a critical role in shaping financial strategy, strengtheningernance frameworks, and supporting executive leadership and the Board with expert advice.Key responsibilities include:
1. Leading the development and delivery of financial strategy, corporate plans, andernance frameworks
2. Managing a large andplex budget (£20m+), ensuring effective forecasting, reporting, and control
3. Overseeing financial operations, reporting cycles, and statutorypliance
4. Driving continuous improvement across systems, processes, and policies
5. Leading on risk management, audit engagement, andernance assurance
6. Supporting senior stakeholders, including the CEO and Board, with high-quality financial and strategic advice
7. Building and maintaining strong relationships withernment bodies, partners, and stakeholders
8. Leading, developing, and motivating a high-performing finance andernance team
This is a highly visible leadership role with significant influence across organisational direction and performance.
What you'll need to succeed
9. Full professional accountancy qualification (ACA / ACCA / CIMA / CIPFA or equivalent)
10. At least 5 years’ post-qualified experience
11. Proven experience managing large,plex budgets (£10m+)
12. Experience operating within a public-facing or service delivery environment
13. Senior leadership experience advising Boards andmittees onernance, finance, and risk
14. Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence at senior level
Desirable:
15. Experience within a public sector or regulatedernance environment
16. Exposure to oversight ofernance processes ( audit,plaints,pliance frameworks)
What you'll get in return
17. Salary: £61,673 – £64,469
18. Annual leave: 25 days rising to 30 days (plus 12 public/privilege days)
19. Pension: Access to an attractive defined benefit public sector scheme
20. Flexible working: Hybrid model
21. Hours: 37 hours per week, Monday–Friday
22. Job security: Permanent, full-time appointment
23. Location: Central Belfast offices