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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial operations, reporting, and compliance for a leading education group.
- Company: Join a dynamic education group committed to sustainability and diverse programmes.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, professional development opportunities, and a collaborative work environment.
- Why this job: Shape financial strategy and drive impactful change in a reputable organisation.
- Qualifications: Must be ACA/ACCA/CIMA qualified with strong leadership experience in finance.
- Other info: Opportunity to work closely with executive leadership and develop a high-performing finance team.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
Harper May is partnering with a leading education group that is seeking an experienced Finance Director to lead its financial operations and strategic planning. With a diverse set of educational programmes and a commitment to long-term sustainability, the group is looking for a senior finance leader to strengthen controls, drive operational efficiency, and support strategic development across the organisation.
Role Overview:
As Finance Director, you will be responsible for the leadership and delivery of all financial planning, reporting, and compliance activities. You will work closely with the executive leadership team to shape financial strategy, oversee key improvement projects, and ensure robust financial management across the group.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead all financial operations including monthly management accounts, forecasting, and year-end statutory accounts
- Ensure compliance with relevant regulatory frameworks, funding body requirements, and audit standards
- Oversee budgeting, planning, and financial monitoring processes across departments
- Deliver effective internal reporting, financial insight, and business analysis to support strategic goals
- Maintain and develop strong internal controls, financial systems, and procedures
- Manage balance sheet control, VAT and corporation tax compliance, and fixed asset management
- Act as a key point of contact for external auditors, tax advisors, and funding bodies
- Lead and develop the finance team, setting clear performance objectives and supporting professional development
- Partner with cross-functional teams on business improvement initiatives, systems upgrades, and process enhancements
Key Requirements:
- ACA / ACCA / CIMA qualified with significant post-qualified experience
- Strong leadership experience within education, public sector, or a regulated organisation
- Proven track record of delivering management and statutory reporting in a complex, multi-stakeholder environment
- Experience in financial planning, budgeting, and performance monitoring
- Strong working knowledge of tax compliance, audit preparation, and financial governance
- Excellent Excel and systems skills; experience with ERP platforms is advantageous
- Clear, confident communicator with the ability to influence at senior and Board level
- Demonstrated ability to lead and develop teams and support organisation-wide change initiatives
Finance Director employer: Harper May Ltd
Contact Detail:
Harper May Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the education sector, especially those who have experience in finance roles. Attend industry events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and learn about the latest trends in financial management within educational organisations.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the specific financial regulations and compliance requirements that apply to the education sector. This knowledge will not only help you stand out but also demonstrate your commitment to understanding the unique challenges faced by the organisation.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you've successfully managed teams in previous roles. Be ready to share examples of how you've driven operational efficiency and supported strategic development, as these are key aspects of the Finance Director role.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the organisation's current financial strategies and any recent news related to their operations. This will allow you to tailor your discussions during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their goals.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in financial operations, strategic planning, and leadership within the education sector or similar regulated environments. Use specific examples that demonstrate your achievements in these areas.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that clearly outlines your motivation for applying to this role. Emphasise your qualifications (ACA/ACCA/CIMA) and how your experience aligns with the key responsibilities of the Finance Director position.
Highlight Leadership Skills: In your application, focus on your leadership experience and ability to develop teams. Provide examples of how you have successfully led finance teams and contributed to organisational change initiatives.
Showcase Financial Acumen: Demonstrate your expertise in financial planning, budgeting, and compliance. Include specific instances where you have improved financial processes or reporting, and mention any experience with ERP platforms if applicable.
How to prepare for a job interview at Harper May Ltd
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Finance Director, strong leadership is crucial. Be prepared to discuss your previous experiences in leading finance teams and how you've successfully managed change initiatives. Highlight specific examples where your leadership made a significant impact.
✨Demonstrate Financial Acumen
You should be ready to discuss your expertise in financial planning, budgeting, and compliance. Prepare to explain complex financial concepts in simple terms, as this will showcase your ability to communicate effectively with non-financial stakeholders.
✨Understand the Education Sector
Familiarise yourself with the current trends and challenges in the education sector. Being knowledgeable about regulatory frameworks and funding requirements will demonstrate your commitment and readiness to take on the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and decision-making abilities. Think of examples from your past where you had to navigate complex financial situations and how you approached them.
