Job summary

The Director of Finance and Operations is a key member of GAD's Executive Leadership Team, Board and Audit and Risk Assurance Committee, responsible for shaping and delivering the organisation's financial and operational strategy. This high-profile role oversees Finance, Commercial, Estates, and Digital, providing strategic partnership to the Chief Executive and senior leaders.

Job description

The Government Actuary's Department (GAD) is a trusted provider of actuarial and analytical expertise to the UK public sector. We support government decision-making through modelling, risk analysis, and financial advice on areas such as pensions, insurance, social security, and long-term fiscal planning. Combining technical excellence with a strong public service ethos, we help clients manage uncertainty and deliver value for society.

As Director of Finance and Operations, you will provide effective leadership to our Finance and Operations Unit, which brings together Finance, Commercial, Estates, and Digital, whilst leading on cross-organisational initiatives, and shaping our strategic direction.

You will need to be a CCAB qualified accountant, with proven senior leadership experience in finance and operations gained within complex or politically sensitive environments. You will need to be both strategic and hands-on, with the ability to work collaboratively across the organisation, maintain effective stakeholder relationships, and lead a high-performing, multidisciplinary team.

For further information on the role, including details of how to apply, please see the Candidate Information Pack linked below.

Person specification

Provide strategic direction as a Board and Executive Committee member, influencing organisational transformation and innovation.

Shape and execute financial and operational strategy, aligning with GAD’s long-term goals and priorities.

Advise the Chief Executive and senior leaders on financial planning, operational risk, and performance management.

Champion innovation, digital transformation, and continuous improvement across finance and corporate services.

Lead financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and reporting, ensuring compliance with regulatory frameworks.

Oversee procurement, contract management, and supplier relationships, supporting commercial and investment decisions.

Manage estates and IT services delivered via third-party contracts, ensuring operational needs and sustainability targets are met.

Maintain a strategic overview and understanding of commercial landscape and digital roadmap to influence effective financial decision making.

Foster a positive, inclusive culture, developing high-performing teams and promoting cross-organisational collaboration.

Lead cross-GAD initiatives as an active member of ExCo, driving organisation-wide transformation and continuous improvement.

Represent GAD in cross-government and external forums, strengthening strategic partnerships and ensuring GAD’s voice and expertise shape wider policy and functional developments.

This job description is a broad reflection of the current duties. It is not an exhaustive list, and changes may be required, based on GAD’s immediate operational needs which are at the discretion of your line manager and in conjunction with the post holder.

Behaviours

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

Changing and Improving

Seeing the Big Picture

Leadership

Communicating and Influencing

Technical skills

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

Qualified CCAB accountant (e.g. CIPFA, ACA, ACCA) (Essential)