Tara Smith

Energizer
DISC Type : I

Joint Head of the Government Finance Function at Government Finance Function

Greater Leeds Area, United Kingdom

Overview

Tara Smith is a Chartered Accountant with a distinguished career in UK public sector finance. She currently holds the dual roles of Director General & Chief Operating Officer at the Department for Business and Trade and Joint Head of the Government Finance Function, previously holding senior roles at the DWP and Food Standards Agency.

Outside of her civil service duties, Tara is passionate about creating career opportunities for young people, stemming from her own start as an apprentice. She enjoys walking, attending live music events, and has recently taken up going to the gym. She lives in Guiseley with her husband and two sons.

She serves as an Independent Governor and the Chair of the Finance and Resources Committee on the Board of Governors for Leeds Trinity University.

Personality Overview

Big Picture Person

Enthusiastic

Imaginative

They are not always early adopters but can be pursuaded by leveraging strong relationships.  They are naturally enthusiastic, so take their promise with a pinch of salt. They are people oriented, friendly and like creating new connections.

Topics They Care About

Public Sector Finance
As Joint Head of the Government Finance Function and a career civil servant, she leads financial management and strategy across the highest levels of UK government.
Youth Career Development
Having started her own journey as an apprentice, she is passionate about supporting young people into fulfilling careers through education and work placement opportunities.
Higher Education Governance
She is an Independent Governor and Chair of the Finance and Resources Committee at Leeds Trinity University, showing a commitment to the university sector.

Media Appearances

Tara has no verified media appearances

Work History

11-2025
Joint Head of the Government Finance Function at Government Finance Function
7-2023
DG Chief Operating Officer at Department for Business and Trade
7-2021
Member Board of Governors at Leeds Trinity University
6-2022 - 7-2023
Director of People and Resources at Food Standards Agency
1-2018 - 6-2022
Finance Director at Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)

Education

1991 - 1993
Chartered accountancy from Waterford Institute of Technology

More Information

Social Presence :

Prographics :

Exp : 8 Location : Greater Leeds Area, United Kingdom Job Level : Mid-senior Designation : Joint Head of the Government Finance Function at Government Finance Function
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Insights For Selling To Tara

During A Call Or A Meeting

DO's

  • Speak enthusiastically with energy, maintain a clear and confident tone
  • Invite them for a lunch or a drink/coffee
  • Talk anecdotally about the customer experience that your product offers

DONT's

  • Avoid overloading them with too much detail
  • Avoid cutting into their flow
  • Don’t push them to make a decision too fast, let them get comfortable first

When Cold Calling

When Writing An Email

While Negotiating & Closing

    The secret to closing fast with Tara is

  • Relationship and trust can be vital with them, sometimes more than anything else.
  • Will you ever get a clear answer from Tara

  • They are unlikely to say no directly, you have to make that decision yourself.

Insights For Deal Planning

    How fast (or slow) will Tara move?

  • They are not the fastest decision makers, their friendly approach can give false positive signals.
  • Can Tara take some risk or not?

  • They can accept limited risks, ones that they think will not impact them personally.

You And Tara

Personality Compatibility


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