Senior Governance and Finance Manager (SEO) Cardiff

ACCA Careers

Posted 16/10/2025

What Makes This Opportunity Special

Take the lead as Senior Governance and Finance Manager (SEO) with ACCA Careers in Cardiff. You’ll shape financial strategy, embed robust governance across Democracy and Boundary Commission Cymru, and influence senior stakeholders across Welsh and UK government. Salary £47,676, £13,811.

Job Description

Democracy and Boundary Commission Cymru Location Cardiff

About The Job Job Summary It is your role to act as the Senior Governance and Finance Manager and be responsible for providing strategic leadership in finance and governance, ensuring that both Commissions deliver their statutory functions with integrity, accountability, and value for money. The postholder will play a central role in shaping financial strategy and embedding robust governance frameworks across both Commissions. This is a senior leadership position within a small but high-profile organisation. The role offers direct influence over financial planning and governance arrangements, visible responsibility for corporate accountability, and the opportunity to engage with senior stakeholders across Welsh Government, UK Government, and the wider public sector.

The postholder will report to the Head of Business and line manage the Corporate Services Manager.

Job Description Strengthen governance frameworks and ensure compliance with statutory and corporate governance requirements. Draft high-quality governance papers, reports, and briefings for Commissioners, the Governance & Audit Committee, and senior stakeholders. Lead on the review and monitoring of the Corporate Risk Register, ensuring risks are managed effectively at Board level. Oversee the implementation and monitoring of Internal and External Audit recommendations. Lead financial forecasting, budget setting, and long-term financial planning. Monitor expenditure against agreed budgets and provide quarterly financial and governance reporting to the Chief Executive and the Board. Ensure robust financial controls and policies are embedded across the organisation. Lead the strategic management of budgets, annual accounts, and grant-in-aid funding. Provide high-level advice to the Chief Executive and Commissioners on financial planning, investment priorities, and risk management. Oversee the relationship with external accountants, auditors, and government finance teams to ensure compliance with audit, governance, and financial regulations. Lead on the use of SAGE financial software to manage accounts, track expenditure, produce financial reports, and ensure accuracy and compliance in financial data. Oversee the arrangements for payroll including staff salaries, calculation and payment of pension contributions. Provide effective line management, coaching, and professional development to the Finance Officer. Build financial capability across the organisation, ensuring non-finance colleagues understand and meet financial responsibilities. Provide Secretariat support to the Governance and Audit Committee Other general duties

Person specification Job Specific Criteria (essential) Demonstrable experience of financial management at a strategic level, including budget setting, monitoring, and reporting. Strong understanding of corporate governance frameworks, risk management, and audit processes. Proven experience of leading or managing staff, with the ability to coach, mentor, and develop others. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce high-quality reports for senior boards and stakeholders. Strong organisational and problem-solving skills, with the ability to deliver results under pressure. Practical experience of using financial management software, particularly SAGE, to oversee accounts, produce reports, and support decision-making.

Desirable Criteria Professional finance or governance qualifications (e.g. CIPFA, AAT, ICSA). Knowledge of working with Boards or within a regulatory or arm’s length body context.

Welsh Language Requirement Welsh language skills are desirable for this post.

Listening

1 = Able to understand basic enquiries in Welsh

Reading

1 = Able to read basic words and phrases

Speaking

1 = Able to conduct a general conversation (greetings, names, sayings, place names)

Writing

1 = Able to write basic messages

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

Seeing the Big Picture Changing and Improving Leadership Communicating and Influencing Managing a Quality Service Delivering at Pace

Benefits Alongside your salary of £47,676, Democracy and Boundary Commission Cymru contributes £13,811 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.

Learning and development tailored to your role An environment with flexible working options A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%

For more information and to apply, please visit our website via the apply button below.

About ACCA Careers

ACCA Careers is a long-established, award-winning accountancy job board run by ACCA Global, connecting employers with finance professionals worldwide. Strengths noted in employer feedback include great colleagues, good work-life balance, and a culture driven by strong values with CSR/sustainability commitments. Common criticisms center on leadership disconnect in some country offices and limited internal advancement, with reviews citing uneven leadership and narrow growth opportunities. Glassdoor indicates an overall rating around 4.0/5 based on hundreds of reviews, but Cardiff-specific feedback about ACCA Careers is not publicly published, so Cardiff-representative sentiment may be limited. (accaportal.accaglobal.com)

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the role involve?

The role blends strategic leadership in finance and governance across the Democracy and Boundary Commission Cymru. You will draft high-quality governance papers, reports, and briefs for Commissioners and the Governance & Audit Committee. You'll also line manage the Corporate Services Manager and collaborate with senior stakeholders across Welsh and UK government.

What makes this opportunity unique?

This is a senior leadership role in a small but high-profile organisation, with direct influence over financial planning and governance arrangements. You'll work across two Commissions, shaping policy and embedding frameworks that drive accountability and value for money. The exposure to Welsh Government, UK Government, and the wider public sector makes the work highly impactful.

What qualifications and skills are important?

A track record in financial management and governance, preferably in public or regulatory settings, is essential. Strong stakeholder management and the ability to translate complex information into concise governance papers will help you succeed.

How will success be measured and supported in the role?

Success will be judged by the strength of governance frameworks and the quality of papers and briefings for Commissioners and committees. You’ll have access to professional development and a collaborative leadership team to shape strategic direction.

Skills & Requirements

SEO Strategy & Management

Link Building

International SEO

Apply for this position

Application deadline: 15/11/2025

Job Details

Salary:£13,811 - £47,676

Location:Cardiff

Posted:16/10/2025