Head of Finance

Head of Finance

Cannock Full-Time 42500 - 50000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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Bath College

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the Finance Department, ensuring accurate financial management and reporting.
  • Company: Bath College is a vibrant educational community committed to inclusivity and student success.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 30 days holiday, flexible working, and perks like private healthcare and a cycle to work scheme.
  • Other info: Application deadline is 31 August 2025; apply early as roles may close sooner.
  • Why this job: Join a dynamic team making a real impact in education while developing your finance skills.
  • Qualifications: CCAB qualified or part qualified with relevant experience in financial management.

The predicted salary is between 42500 - 50000 £ per year.

Application Deadline: 31 August 2025

Department: FIN – Finance

Employment Type: Permanent – Full Time

Location: Dual Campus

Reporting To: Rich Harris

Compensation: £49,526 – £55,714 / year

Description

Permanent contract, 37 hours per week, 52 weeks per year

To ensure the Finance Department provides a high-quality service to students, staff, budget holders and other colleagues across the College though the provision of timely, accurate and relevant financial management information and the operation of robust financial controls in order to achieve best value for money and sustainable financial health.

Bath College is an inclusive education and training community, providing learning for people with a wide range of abilities from a far-reaching area, from entry level to Level 5 programmes. We are committed to meeting the needs of all our students. This is a very exciting time to join the College.

If you feel you can make a positive contribution, please complete the application form, making sure you detailing how your qualifications, skills and experience meet the requirements of the role.

The job posting can close as soon as sufficient applications have been received.

Key Responsibilities

  • Prepare monthly management accounts and budget holder reports within defined timescales that provide accurate and accessible information to support budget holders and senior managers to fulfil their financial responsibilities, in accordance with the agreed timescales of publication.
  • Reporting financial information to external stakeholders as required, in the prescribed format.
  • Investigate variances and recommend appropriate action.
  • Liaise with the Chief Operating Officer to generate the annual budget and three-year forecast.
  • Develop the finance system and the surrounding processes to improve compliance with systems and enhance access to financial information by budget holders.
  • Monitor all income to the College and ensure that it is all received as expected and correctly reflected in the accounts, and ensure effective accounts receivable procedures are in operation.
  • Review month end reconciliations and control accounts prepared by members of the Finance Department and work through adjustments as required.
  • Generate and maintain the College’s cash flow forecast to ensure there are sufficient funds to pay liabilities as they fall due and that bank covenants are complied with.
  • Support the COO in developing performance monitoring tools and relevant KPIs.
  • Ensure effective accounting and reporting arrangements are in place to support all capital projects.
  • Contribute to the relevant committee meetings internally for presentation of financial information.
  • Monitor, report and improve the financial health of the College.

Please See Attached For The Full Job Description

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

  • CCAB qualified, or part qualified with significant relevant experience.
  • An up-to-date knowledge and understanding of financial strategies, systems and procedures.
  • Experience of development of financial management reporting to provide meaningful information for monitoring and decision making.
  • Experience of preparation of budgets, forecasts, and statutory financial statements for year end audit.

Please see attached for the full Person Specification

Staff Benefits

  • Generous paid holiday entitlement of 30 days, exclusive of College closure days and public holidays. Pro rata for part time roles.
  • One Selfie Day per year
  • Contributory salary pension scheme (Local Government)
  • Continuing Professional Development for all staff
  • Laptop Salary Sacrifice Scheme
  • Cycle to Work Scheme
  • Private Healthcare Scheme
  • £500 Refer a friend and earn a reward
  • Subsidised cafes – at both campuses
  • Employee Assistance Programme – Staff have access to this programme. It is a free and strictly confidential short-term counselling and support service (up to six meetings after an initial assessment session with a qualified counselor)
  • The College offers an eye sight test for anyone who meets the criteria as described within the Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations.
  • Progressive family friendly policies (exceeding statutory requirements) that supports a health work/life balance, all staff are entitled to request flexible working.
  • Discounted treatments at the Academy, Bath Campus
  • Free parking at the Somer Valley Campus in Radstock

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Head of Finance employer: Bath College

Bath College is an exceptional employer that prioritises the professional growth of its staff while fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment. With generous benefits such as 30 days of paid holiday, a contributory pension scheme, and opportunities for continuing professional development, employees are encouraged to thrive both personally and professionally. Located in a vibrant community, the College offers a unique chance to make a meaningful impact on students' lives while enjoying a healthy work-life balance.
Bath College

Contact Detail:

Bath College Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Finance

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with Bath College's financial strategies and recent developments. Understanding their current financial landscape will help you tailor your discussions during interviews, showcasing your knowledge and enthusiasm for the role.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with current or former employees of Bath College, especially those in finance roles. They can provide valuable insights into the company culture and expectations, which can be beneficial when preparing for interviews.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've improved financial processes or reporting in previous roles. Highlighting your hands-on experience with financial management will demonstrate your capability to contribute effectively from day one.

✨Tip Number 4

Stay updated on the latest trends in educational finance and compliance. Being knowledgeable about current regulations and best practices will position you as a strong candidate who can navigate the complexities of the role.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance

CCAB qualified or part qualified with significant relevant experience
Financial Management Reporting
Budget Preparation and Forecasting
Statutory Financial Statements Preparation
Financial Analysis and Variance Investigation
Cash Flow Management
Knowledge of Financial Strategies and Systems
Strong Communication Skills
Attention to Detail
Ability to Develop Performance Monitoring Tools and KPIs
Experience in Liaising with Senior Management
Robust Financial Controls Implementation
Problem-Solving Skills
Adaptability to Changing Financial Environments

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your qualifications, skills, and experience align with the specific requirements of the Head of Finance role at Bath College. Use keywords from the job description to demonstrate your fit.

Showcase Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your experience in financial management, budgeting, and reporting. Provide specific examples of how you've successfully managed financial information and improved financial processes in previous roles.

Highlight Qualifications: Clearly state your CCAB qualification or relevant experience. If you are part qualified, mention any significant achievements that demonstrate your understanding of financial strategies and systems.

Professional Presentation: Ensure your application is well-structured and free of errors. Use a professional tone while remaining approachable. A clean layout and clear headings will make it easier for the hiring team to read your application.

How to prepare for a job interview at Bath College

✨Know Your Numbers

As the Head of Finance, you'll need to demonstrate a strong grasp of financial management. Be prepared to discuss your experience with budgets, forecasts, and financial reporting. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to explain how you've used them to drive decision-making in previous roles.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

This role requires effective leadership within the finance department. Prepare examples of how you've led teams, managed conflicts, or improved processes in past positions. Highlight your ability to mentor others and foster a collaborative environment.

✨Understand the College's Financial Landscape

Research Bath College's financial health and any recent developments in their funding or budgetary challenges. Being knowledgeable about the institution will show your genuine interest in the role and help you tailor your responses to align with their needs.

✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions

Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-world scenarios. Think of situations where you've had to investigate variances or recommend actions based on financial data. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers effectively.

Head of Finance
Bath College
Location: Cannock
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