At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the finance function, ensuring effective financial planning and compliance.
- Company: Derwentside College, a vibrant and inclusive Further Education college.
- Benefits: 36 days annual leave, pension scheme, free parking, and early closures on Fridays.
- Other info: Join a supportive environment committed to continuous improvement and community engagement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on financial sustainability in education while leading a dynamic team.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified accountant with significant senior finance leadership experience.
The predicted salary is between 57729 - 57729 £ per year.
Permanent, full-time post (working 37 hours per week) | Salary: up to £57,729 per annum
Closing Date: Tuesday 28 July 2026
Derwentside College is a vibrant and inclusive Further Education college located in the heart of Consett, delivering a broad range of high‑quality provision to young people and adults from across the local community. We are proud of our strong focus on student success, staff wellbeing and meaningful engagement with employers and partners.
In recent years, the College has made significant investment in its finance function including new financial reporting systems and stabilisation of the Team. These developments reflect our ambition to ensure financial stability that supports growth, enhances the learner experience and supports high‑quality teaching and support services.
We are seeking an experienced and strategic Head of Finance to lead the management and development of the College’s finance function, ensuring the delivery of effective financial planning, reporting, control and compliance. A fully qualified accountant, reporting to the Vice Principal Finance and Resources, the post‑holder will play a key role in supporting the College’s strategic priorities by ensuring the College remains financially sustainable and responsive to the evolving needs of learners, staff and the wider community.
You will require significant senior finance leadership experience, including budgeting, forecasting, management accounts, financial controls and year‑end reporting and proven experience leading and developing finance teams, with the ability to influence stakeholders and present complex financial information to non‑financial audiences. The successful candidate will possess strong knowledge of financial governance, audit, risk management and regulatory compliance, with experience of working with auditors and managing robust financial controls.
What will you do?
The successful candidate will lead the operational delivery of the College’s annual budgeting and forecasting process, supporting the Vice Principal in the development of the College’s budget and financial plans. You will work closely with senior leaders, budget holders, curriculum teams and external partners, ensuring full compliance with accounting standards and statutory requirements. This role is ideal for a confident and collaborative leader with significant finance management experience, ideally within an education or public‑sector setting, who is committed to continuous improvement.
What’s in it for you?
- 36 days annual leave plus statutory bank holidays
- College closure at 2pm Fridays and early closure during holiday periods
- Automatic entry to the Local Government Pension Scheme
- Free on‑site parking
- On‑site catering
- Salary sacrifice electric vehicle car leasing scheme
- Salary up to £57,729 per annum (pay award pending and potential market rate supplement may be considered)
The College is positively committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the children, young people and vulnerable adults who attend its education and training provision. All staff are expected to share this commitment. The person appointed will be required to obtain a satisfactory DBS Enhanced Disclosure.
As an equal opportunities employer, the College welcomes applicants from all sections of the community. If you require support with your application or any other part of the recruitment process please contact us on 01207 585900 or email hr@derwentside.ac.uk
Head of Finance in Consett employer: Derwentside College
Derwentside College is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises professional development and employee growth. As a key player in the education sector, we provide our staff with meaningful opportunities to make a difference in students' lives while enjoying a collaborative environment in a vibrant community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance in Consett
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
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We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance in Consett
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Derwentside College.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Derwentside College's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Derwentside College
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Derwentside College.
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Since this is a full-time position, employers at Derwentside College will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Derwentside College employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
