Head of Finance

About this Role

The Finance team provides finance and budgeting support to staff, managers and members of PCS. The department is about to embark on a digital transformation that will modernise how the Finance department operates for the Union. We are looking for a Head of Finance that will drive and lead this project whilst maintaining continuity of service operation to the union, members and staff and, to join a progressive union that values collaboration, integrity, and social impact.

Salary and Location

• Band 5, London Spine points 21-17 or Regional Spine points 23-19
• Starting salary: London £63,279 p.a. rising to £72,098 p.a. or Regional £58,877 p.a. rising to £67,689, in annual increments (pay award pending)
• PCS Clapham or Regional office

Successful candidates for the Head of Finance will be able to demonstrate:
You are a qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, ACMA, CIPFA) and or have an MBA with:

• 5 years’ proven experience of managing a successful finance team
• Proven experience in strategic financial leadership
• Strong knowledge of financial systems, compliance, and reporting
• Project management and delivery in a financial setting
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills
• Management of internal and external audit processes
• A commitment to equality, inclusion, and the values of the trade union movement

The main duties of the Head of Finance role include:

• Strong leadership and effective management of the finance team
• Lead and manage the implementation and optimisation of a new finance system to ensure cost-efficiency through service reviews and technology adoption
• Deliver strategic financial advice to senior stakeholders
• Lead the union’s financial services, focusing on complex and high-impact areas
• Support medium and long-term financial planning for the Director of Central Services and Senior Management Team
• Oversee management accounts, year-end financial reports, and budget cycles
• Ensure compliance with VAT, Corporation Tax, PAYE, and regulatory reporting (e.g., AR21)
• Provide accurate financial data and strategic insights to decision-makers
• Strengthen audit processes and investment oversight
• Ensure integrity in transaction processing and ledger management
• Maintain compliance with data protection and service level agreements
• Support supplier relationship management
  
  

Excellent people and leadership skills combined with strong analytical skills, and problem solving ability, and an understanding of up-to-date finance technology will all be essential requirements for a successful Head of Finance.

Further information

Closing date: at 12 midday on Thursday 12 March 2026

Interviews will be held in person at PCS Clapham: Wednesday 25 March 2026

About PCS
PCS is the Public and Commercial Services Union, representing many thousands of members working in the civil service and related areas.

Employer Benefits
You will have access to a generous package of staff benefits including

• flexible working (including hybrid working)
• childcare and family support
• generous maternity/paternity leave
• 32 days leave and Christmas closure
• pension scheme
• employee assistance programme

Learning and Development
The union offers a wide range of learning and development opportunities. We will work with you to support your continued professional development.

PCS Recruiting Process
We use CVMinder to manage all recruitment activities. It helps us to maintain our commitment to equality and diversity by ensuring that we are fair and compliant with our recruiting practices.

Applications must be received by the closing date and time specified.

Candidates invited for interview are required to make themselves available on the date/s specified. Interview dates cannot be changed to accommodate candidates who are unavailable to attend on the specified date.

• CVs will not be accepted. Please see the job description/person specification and follow the application process
• PCS is working towards equal opportunities and is positive about disabled people.
• All posts can be considered on a full-time, part-time or job share basis.

Please view our guidance for applicants.

https://cvminder.com/2602aqhf