At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and oversee budgeting, forecasting, and compliance.
- Company: Join a dynamic college with a focus on financial excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, hybrid working, and staff appreciation events.
- Other info: Friendly team environment with opportunities for growth and mentorship.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the financial sustainability of education.
- Qualifications: Degree level education and ACA/ICAEW/ICAS qualification required.
The predicted salary is between 87223 - 87223 £ per year.
USP College is seeking an experienced and strategic Deputy Chief Financial Officer (Deputy CFO) to join our Senior Management Team. Reporting directly to the CFO, you will play a pivotal role in driving the College's financial strategy, ensuring robust financial management, and providing expert guidance to both finance and non-finance stakeholders. This is an exciting opportunity for a qualified finance leader to oversee Finance and Payroll operations, lead budgeting and forecasting, support major projects, drive process improvements, and help shape the College's long-term financial sustainability.
Please note - the interview process will involve an Assessment Centre Day, the date of which is TBC.
The Role:
- Support the CFO in delivering the College's financial strategy and maintaining financial health.
- Lead the Finance & Payroll Team, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.
- Oversee budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, procurement, payroll, and resource management.
- Provide insightful financial analysis and decision-making support to senior leaders and budget holders.
- Lead on risk management, insurance, financial compliance, and internal controls.
- Drive finance system enhancements and AI-enabled process improvements.
- Build strong relationships with governors, auditors, banks, and external stakeholders.
- Deliver training and guidance to managers on financial planning and performance.
About You:
You will be a strategic and commercially minded finance professional with:
- Strong leadership and stakeholder management skills.
- Expertise in budgeting, forecasting, financial analysis, and compliance.
- The ability to communicate complex financial information to diverse audiences.
- A proactive approach to improving systems, processes, and service delivery.
- A full driving licence and access to your own transport.
The right candidate will have:
- Educated to degree level and ACA/ICAEW/ICAS.
- Knowledge of funding in the FE Sector.
- Comprehensive knowledge of key financial regulations.
- Proficiency in financial & payroll systems and software.
- A solid understanding of financial concepts, accounting principles and budgeting processes.
- Excellent inter-personal and communication skills.
- Demonstrable leadership skills.
- Experience gained from FE, ideally from a grade 2 college.
- Experience of change management, restructures, mergers and acquisition.
What we offer:
- A dedicated and friendly team of professionals who are keen to develop and learn.
- Annual Staff Awards.
- CPD days - opportunities to grow and development through mentorship and coaching.
- Free onsite parking.
- Staff appreciation days.
- Onsite Starbucks & Restaurant.
- Electric Vehicle Scheme.
- Discounted gym membership.
- Hybrid Working available.
- Fully immersive teaching rooms allow simultaneous online teaching at multiple locations.
- Free Employee Assistance Programme available 24/7, 365 days offering legal & financial advice, as well as general support & guidance.
* subject to terms & conditions
All appointments are subject to safer recruitment requirements to ensure the safeguarding of children and young people. All positions will involve appropriate checks and clearances.
Deputy Chief Finance Officer employer: Essex
USP College is an exceptional employer that prioritises the professional growth and well-being of its staff. With a supportive work culture, opportunities for continuous development through CPD days and mentorship, and a range of benefits including free onsite parking and a hybrid working model, employees are empowered to thrive in their roles. The College's commitment to financial excellence and community engagement makes it a rewarding place to contribute to the future of education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Chief Finance Officer
✨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.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Essex. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Chief Finance Officer
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 Essex.
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 Essex'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 Essex
✨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 Essex.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Essex 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 Essex 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.
