Director of Finance

Director of Finance

Leeds Full-Time 51600 - 59000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and mentor the Finance team while providing financial guidance to key stakeholders.
  • Company: Join the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group, serving education needs across Yorkshire.
  • Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, professional development, pension scheme, and discounts on gym memberships and retail.
  • Why this job: Be part of a diverse team that values continuous improvement and high performance in education.
  • Qualifications: GCSEs in English and Maths, A Level or equivalent, and experience in leading finance teams.
  • Other info: Apply by 15th June 2025; interviews on 2nd July 2025.

The predicted salary is between 51600 - 59000 £ per year.

We have an exciting new opportunity for a Director of Finance to join us at the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group! This role is perfectly suited to someone who is ready to lead, mentor and develop the Finance team, to foster a culture of continuous improvement and high performance.

You Will Be Required To:

  • Provide financial information, advice and guidance to Governors, the Executive Team, and all college budget holders.
  • Be the lead officer providing financial advice and guidance into all Group business review process.
  • Liaise with Governors, Executive Directors, Managers and staff across the Group, as well as Auditors and external funding bodies.
  • Line manage a team of 11, two of which will be direct reports.
  • Deputise for the Executive Director Finance & Resources as required.

You Will:

  • Hold GCSE A*- C/9 – 4 in English and Maths or equivalent.
  • Be educated to A Level standard or equivalent.
  • Be a fully qualified CCAB accountant or equivalent – Desirable.
  • Hold a relevant Degree or equivalent – Desirable.
  • Have strong, technical accounting and analytical skills, including knowledge of VAT and Pensions.
  • Have significant experience of leading a finance team for a complex organisation, ideally in education or public sector.
  • Have the ability to interpret complex financial data and provide clear, actionable insight.
  • Be an excellent communicator.

This is a diverse role where you will be building relationships with curriculum and support staff, and many other stakeholders. Does this sound like you? Think you’d be a perfect fit? Apply now! We’d love to hear from you!

About Us:

The Heart of Yorkshire Education Group serves the education and skills needs of the Yorkshire region from its campuses in Castleford, Wakefield and Selby. The Group offers an expansive range of post-16 provision, apprenticeships, higher education, adult qualifications and distance learning.

Benefits Include:

  • Generous Annual Leave (37 days + bank holidays + 5 College closure days).
  • Personal and Professional Development opportunities.
  • Generous Contributory Pension Scheme.
  • Discounted Metro Card Scheme.
  • Cycle to Work Scheme.
  • Access to employee assistance programme.
  • Reduced price personal gym membership.
  • Access to a wide range of high street discounts (retail, supermarkets and restaurants).
  • Annual Staff Recognition Awards.

Closing date: 15th June 2025

Interview date: 2nd July 2025

The Heart of Yorkshire Education Group is committed to safeguarding the welfare of all students and this post will be subject to Enhanced Disclosure from the DBS. Our recruitment process follows Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance.

If you are currently living overseas or have lived/worked overseas in the last five years please be aware that you will be required to provide an overseas criminal record check from the country/countries you have worked/resided in if you are the preferred candidate for the post.

We aim to develop a workforce that reflects the diverse community we serve and positively encourage applications from all.

Director of Finance employer: University Centre at the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group

The Heart of Yorkshire Education Group is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and dynamic work environment in Wakefield. With a strong commitment to employee development, generous benefits including 37 days of annual leave, and a culture that values continuous improvement, this role as Director of Finance provides a unique opportunity to lead a dedicated finance team while making a meaningful impact on the education sector. Join us to be part of a diverse community that prioritises growth and collaboration.
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Contact Detail:

University Centre at the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Director of Finance

✨Tip Number 1

Network with professionals in the education sector, especially those who have experience in finance roles. Attend relevant conferences or workshops to meet potential colleagues and learn about the latest trends in educational finance.

✨Tip Number 2

Familiarise yourself with the specific financial challenges faced by educational institutions. Understanding issues like funding cuts, budget management, and compliance with regulations will help you stand out as a knowledgeable candidate.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you would mentor your team. Think of examples from your past experiences where you successfully led a finance team through challenges or implemented improvements.

✨Tip Number 4

Research the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group's values and mission. Be ready to articulate how your personal values align with theirs and how you can contribute to fostering a culture of continuous improvement within the finance team.

We think you need these skills to ace Director of Finance

Financial Analysis
Budget Management
Leadership Skills
Team Development
Technical Accounting Skills
Knowledge of VAT and Pensions
Data Interpretation
Excellent Communication Skills
Stakeholder Engagement
Strategic Planning
Problem-Solving Skills
Attention to Detail
Adaptability
Mentoring and Coaching

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Director of Finance position. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with these expectations.

Highlight Relevant Experience: Emphasise your experience in leading finance teams, particularly in complex organisations like education or the public sector. Provide specific examples of how you've interpreted financial data and provided actionable insights.

Showcase Your Qualifications: Make sure to clearly state your qualifications, including your CCAB accounting status and any relevant degrees. If you have GCSEs in English and Maths, mention them as well, as they are part of the essential criteria.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only summarises your CV but also conveys your passion for the role and the organisation. Discuss how you can contribute to fostering a culture of continuous improvement and high performance within the finance team.

How to prepare for a job interview at University Centre at the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As a Director of Finance, you'll be leading a team. Be prepared to discuss your leadership style and provide examples of how you've successfully managed and developed finance teams in the past.

✨Demonstrate Financial Acumen

Brush up on your technical accounting knowledge, especially regarding VAT and pensions. Be ready to interpret complex financial data and explain how you can provide actionable insights to stakeholders.

✨Communicate Effectively

This role requires excellent communication skills. Practice articulating complex financial concepts in a clear and concise manner, as you'll need to liaise with various stakeholders, including Governors and Executive Directors.

✨Prepare for Scenario Questions

Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities. Think about challenges you've faced in previous roles and how you navigated them, particularly in a complex organisation like education or the public sector.

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