Job Description
Your new company
This is an opportunity to join one of the largest further education providers in the North West, delivering a broad range of vocational, technical, apprenticeship, adult learning and higher education programmes. With a strong community focus and a diverse curriculum spanning areas such as professional services, creative industries, health and social care, digital, construction, engineering and university-level study, the organisation plays a vital role in supporting learners, employers and the wider regional economy.
Your new role
As Director of Finance, you will play a pivotal leadership role in ensuring the continued financial strength, sustainability and strategic development of the organisation. Reporting to the Deputy Chief Executive / Chief Finance Officer and operating as a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, you will lead the Finance and Procurement teams and take responsibility for the strategic oversight and operational delivery of finance, procurement, financial planning, reporting, compliance and control.
You will oversee monthly management accounts, annual budgets, statutory accounts, financial forecasts, external audit processes and key returns, ensuring robust systems, sound controls and high-quality financial insight. Working closely with budget holders, governors and external stakeholders, you will adopt a proactive business-partartnering approach, helping leaders make informed decisions and driving the effective use of resources. You will also contribute to the development and implementation of the organisation's financial strategy, supporting growth, sustainability and long-term resilience.
This is a high-profile role requiring both technical credibility and strong leadership. You will manage and develop your teams, promote a culture of accountability and continuous improvement, ensure compliance with relevant financial, tax, VAT and public sector procurement requirements, and deputise for the CFO when required.
What you'll need to succeed
You will be a fully qualified accountant (CCAB/CIMA), although candidates qualified by experience may be considered where they bring substantial further education finance experience. You will have a strong track record in producing and analysing monthly budget reports, management accounts, year-end statutory accounts and financial forecasts, alongside experience of maintaining effective accounting and budgetary control systems. You will bring excellent technical knowledge of accounting standards and financial operations, advanced Excel capability, and proven experience of supervising or managing finance teams.
Experience within education, ideally further education, would be advantageous, as would knowledge of college funding, financial management systems and insurance arrangements. Just as importantly, you will be a confident and credible leader with strong communication skills, sound judgement and the ability to engage effectively with a wide range of stakeholders.
What you'll get in return
A competitive salary is offered along with an excellent benefits package which includes 42 days holiday plus Bank Holidays, and a generous local government pension scheme.
What you need to do now
If you're interested in this finance director job, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.
If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.
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Contact Details:
Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited Recruitment Team
