Strategic Finance Leader for Education & Growth

Strategic Finance Leader for Education & Growth

Full-Time 60000 - 75000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Barnet And Southgate College

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead finance operations and ensure financial sustainability for our college.
  • Company: Join Barnet and Southgate College, a values-driven organisation focused on education.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a chance to make a real impact.
  • Other info: Be part of an exciting journey towards our ambitious 2030 strategic plan.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of education while leading a high-performing finance team.
  • Qualifications: Senior finance experience with strong leadership skills in a regulated environment.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.

We are seeking an experienced finance professional to join our College Leadership Team and play a critical role in ensuring the College's long‑term financial sustainability and success. Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, the Director of Finance will provide strategic and operational leadership across all core finance functions, including financial and management accounting, budgeting and forecasting, payroll and pensions, treasury, and financial governance. You will lead a high‑performing finance team, delivering accurate, timely and insightful financial information to support effective decision‑making at all levels.

Key Responsibilities

  • Oversee statutory accounts, external audit, regulatory and funding returns, and robust financial controls, ensuring full compliance with sector and statutory requirements.
  • Work collaboratively with executive colleagues, governors and budget holders to promote strong financial stewardship, value for money and clear accountability across the organisation.

Qualifications

We are looking for a senior finance professional with significant leadership experience in a complex, regulated environment, strong technical expertise and the credibility to operate at Executive and Board level. Experience in education or the public sector would be advantageous.

About the Company: Barnet and Southgate College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. Hours: 36 hours per week. Barnet and Southgate College is entering an exciting new phase of its journey, guided by our ambitious 2030 strategic plan. We are a values driven organisation committed to changing lives, empowering individuals and connecting communities through high quality education and skills.

Strategic Finance Leader for Education & Growth employer: Barnet And Southgate College

Barnet and Southgate College is an exceptional employer that prioritises the professional growth of its staff while fostering a collaborative and inclusive work culture. With a commitment to high-quality education and community empowerment, employees benefit from a supportive environment that encourages innovation and strategic thinking, making it an ideal place for finance professionals looking to make a meaningful impact in the education sector.

Barnet And Southgate College

Contact Details:

Barnet And Southgate College Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Strategic Finance Leader for Education & Growth

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education and finance sectors. Attend industry events or webinars where you can meet potential colleagues or mentors who might help you land that Strategic Finance Leader role.

Tip Number 2

Showcase your expertise! Prepare a portfolio of your past achievements in financial leadership, especially in complex environments. When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers, share specific examples that highlight your strategic impact.

Tip Number 3

Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings. Reach out directly to Barnet and Southgate College through our website. Express your interest in the Strategic Finance Leader position and ask about upcoming opportunities.

Tip Number 4

Prepare for interviews by understanding the college's 2030 strategic plan. Think about how your skills can contribute to their goals. This will show that you’re not just looking for any job, but that you’re genuinely interested in making a difference at Barnet and Southgate College.

We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Finance Leader for Education & Growth

Financial Accounting
Management Accounting
Budgeting
Forecasting
Payroll Management
Pensions Management
Treasury Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Strategic Finance Leader role. Highlight your leadership experience in finance, especially in complex environments like education or the public sector.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about finance in education and how your background makes you the perfect fit for our College Leadership Team.

Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific achievements that demonstrate your impact in previous roles. Numbers and outcomes speak volumes, so include them where possible!

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. 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 Barnet and Southgate College.

How to prepare for a job interview at Barnet And Southgate College

Know Your Numbers

As a Strategic Finance Leader, you’ll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics relevant to the education sector and be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive decision-making in previous roles.

Showcase Leadership Experience

Prepare examples that highlight your leadership skills, especially in complex, regulated environments. Think about times when you led a team through challenges or implemented financial controls that improved efficiency.

Understand the Sector

Familiarise yourself with the current trends and challenges in the education sector. Be prepared to discuss how these factors impact financial sustainability and what strategies you would implement to address them.

Engage with Stakeholders

Since collaboration is key in this role, think of ways to illustrate your experience working with various stakeholders. Prepare to discuss how you’ve promoted financial stewardship and accountability in past positions.