At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance and estates functions to shape the future of NESCol.
- Company: NESCol, a leading vocational education provider in Scotland.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership role, and opportunity for strategic impact.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in education and community through financial sustainability.
- Qualifications: Degree-level qualification, fully qualified accountant, and strong leadership experience.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team focused on continuous improvement and operational excellence.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Aspen People is working in partnership with NESCol to appoint a new Director of Finance & Estates.
About us
NESCol is one of the largest providers of vocational education and training in Scotland, committed to being at the heart of positive change across the communities it serves. The curriculum is diverse and evolving. NESCol works closely with industry partners to ensure the skills required in the jobs market are reflected in their courses.
About the role
A high-impact leadership role where you will shape the future of the College by overseeing our Finance, Estates, Health & Safety, Environmental Sustainability, and Procurement functions. Reporting to the Vice Principal – Finance & Resources, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the College's financial sustainability, operational efficiency, and strategic growth. As a member of the College Strategic Leadership Team, you will help develop and deliver our strategic vision and plan. Working collaboratively across departments to support financial sustainability, an outstanding student experience and foster a culture of continuous improvement.
About you
We are seeking a proactive, experienced leader with a strong financial background and a passion for operational excellence. You will hold a degree-level qualification, be a fully qualified accountant and a current member of a recognised CCAB body. You will bring a proven track record of strategic leadership within a finance function in a complex organisation, along with a deep understanding of financial and accounting standards, audit procedures, and compliance requirements. Your experience will include leading successful change and improvement initiatives, as well as involvement in estates or facilities management, contract negotiation, and project delivery. You will be an excellent communicator and team leader, capable of inspiring others and working effectively across functions.
Application Process
For a confidential discussion, please contact Katharine Price, Donogh O'Brien, or Gillian Blackadder at Aspen People on 0141 212 7555. Closing date: Monday 9th February 2026. If successful you will be required to attend on the following days / locations: 1st stage Interviews: W/C 16th February (virtual) date tbc Interview Date (in person): Monday 9th March 2026.
Director of Finance & Estates in London employer: Aspen People
Contact Detail:
Aspen People Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Finance & Estates in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance and education sectors. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral, which can give you a leg up in the application process.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching NESCol and its strategic goals. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re someone who understands their mission and can contribute to their vision of financial sustainability and operational excellence.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! Be ready to share specific examples of how you've led successful change initiatives in finance or estates management. This will demonstrate your capability and passion for operational excellence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the NESCol team and contributing to their positive impact in the community.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Finance & Estates in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Director of Finance & Estates role. Highlight your financial expertise and leadership experience, as these are key to impressing us at NESCol.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about operational excellence and how your background makes you the perfect fit for this high-impact role. Be genuine and let your personality come through.
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your past roles, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your strategic leadership and financial acumen. Numbers speak volumes, so if you’ve improved efficiency or led successful projects, make sure to include those stats!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you’re serious about joining our team at NESCol.
How to prepare for a job interview at Aspen People
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Director of Finance & Estates, you’ll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive decisions in previous roles. This shows you’re not just a numbers person, but someone who can translate that into strategic action.
✨Showcase Leadership Experience
Prepare examples of your leadership style and how you've successfully led teams through change. Think about specific initiatives you've implemented that improved operational efficiency or financial sustainability. This will highlight your capability to inspire and manage diverse teams.
✨Understand the Bigger Picture
Familiarise yourself with NESCol’s mission and values. Be prepared to discuss how your vision aligns with theirs and how you can contribute to their strategic goals. This demonstrates your commitment to the role and your understanding of the educational landscape.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that show your interest in the role and the organisation. Inquire about their current challenges in finance and estates management or how they measure success in these areas. This not only shows your engagement but also helps you assess if the role is the right fit for you.