Head of Strategic Finance in Canary Wharf - Archer Mac

Department: MHRA

Role: Head of Strategic Finance

Grade: G6

Salary: £75,585 - £84,840 (plus an accountancy allowance of £4,000)

Location: Hybrid, flexible working – 1-2 days per week in London office

Report to: Deputy Director of Finance

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency enhance and improve the health of millions of people every day through the effective regulation of medicines and medical devices, underpinned by science and research. The finance team are at the heart of decision-making to help the MHRA protect and improve public health.

We are looking for a motivated and driven Head of Strategic Finance – someone to lead the Agency’s medium-term financial strategy, own the planning and budget cycle, and deliver the modelling, forecasting and performance insight that guides our Executive Committee and Board. You’ll turn complex data into clear options, shape Spending Review inputs and ensure our plans areaffordable, sustainable and grounded in robust evidence.

In this visible leadership role, you’ll design and maintain transparent financial models, set frameworks for budgets and forecasts, and produce high-quality reporting for senior leaders: tracking KPIs, programmes and risks, and highlighting issues, opportunities and mitigations. You’ll commission analytical products that explain cost drivers and scenarios, partner across science, regulation and corporate services to align plans with priorities and help strengthen systems, data and capabilities across the Finance function. You’ll also contribute to governance and assurance, deputise for the Deputy Director when required and collaborate with Finance SMT to deliver an excellent service to the organisation.

The successful candidate must hold a professional accountancy qualification (CCAB/CIMA or equivalent) and bring extensive experience in financial planning, business partnering or decision support, ideally within central government, an ALB or a similarly complex, regulated environment. You will combine advanced Excel and modelling skills with strong judgement, the ability to interpret incomplete evidence and have the confidence to engage and challenge senior stakeholders. You will communicate complex issues clearly, welcome constructive challenge, and lead teams with inclusion, accountability and curiosity. Knowledge of Managing Public Money, HMT Green Book and value-for-money principles is essential.

If you’d like to join a professional, forward-looking Finance community within the Government Finance Function, with access to Civil Service learning, professional development and a mission that improves millions of lives every day, we want to hear from you.

The MHRA offer a competitive salary with access to the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension Scheme and a host of additional benefits, including strong learning and development opportunities. The MHRA embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities and as such, they run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.