At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and shape the finance function while mentoring a capable team.
- Company: Forward-thinking organisation in Chelmsford with a strong leadership team.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and clear career progression.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity for local candidates seeking their next career step.
- Why this job: Make a lasting impact in a newly created leadership role with growth potential.
- Qualifications: Proven senior finance leadership experience, ideally in Further Education or similar sectors.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 80000 £ per year.
Qualified Accountant needed for Director of Finance role in Chelmsford.
Hybrid Working - 4 Days in Office
Salary: 75,000 - 80,000 + Benefits
We are excited to be partnering with a forward-thinking organisation in Chelmsford to appoint a Director of Finance in a newly created leadership role. This is an excellent opportunity to shape and elevate the finance function while joining a well-established senior leadership team.
The Opportunity
Reporting directly to an experienced Chief Operating Officer, this role has been created to strengthen financial leadership, enhance reporting standards, and drive continuous improvement across the finance function. You will lead a small but capable team, consisting of 1 direct report and 7 indirect reports, with the autonomy and support to implement change and make a lasting impact. There is also clear long-term progression potential, with scope for this position to evolve into a future COO pathway for the right individual.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide strategic financial leadership across the organisation
- Enhance and elevate financial reporting, controls, and governance
- Lead, develop and mentor the finance team
- Partner with senior stakeholders to support commercial and operational decision-making
- Drive process improvements and efficiencies within the finance function
- Support long-term planning, budgeting, and forecasting
About You
- Proven track record in a senior finance leadership role (Head of Finance or above)
- Experience within Further Education is highly desirable
- Candidates from Charities, Not-for-Profit, Education, Public Sector, or Commercial sectors will also be considered
- Strong leadership skills with experience managing and developing teams
- Ability to influence at senior level and drive change
This role would suit a locally based candidate in the Mid Essex region seeking their next career step, including individuals looking to transition from Head of Finance into their first Director-level position.
Why Apply?
- Newly created role with genuine scope to shape the function
- Clear progression and long-term career opportunity
- Highly visible position within the senior leadership team
- Central Chelmsford location with hybrid flexibility
If you are interested in this role, 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.
Director of Finance in Essex employer: Hays
Join a forward-thinking organisation in Chelmsford as the Director of Finance, where you will have the unique opportunity to shape the finance function and drive meaningful change. With a supportive senior leadership team and a clear pathway for career progression, this role offers a dynamic work culture that values innovation and collaboration, all while enjoying the benefits of hybrid working in a central location. Embrace the chance to lead a talented team and make a lasting impact in a newly created position that promises both professional growth and personal fulfilment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Finance in Essex
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who might know about opportunities in Chelmsford. A personal recommendation can make all the difference when you're aiming for that Director of Finance role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its financial practices. Understand their challenges and think about how you can bring value to their team. This will show them you're not just another candidate, but someone who’s genuinely interested in shaping their finance function.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! Be ready to share examples of how you've led teams and driven change in previous roles. Highlighting your experience in mentoring and developing others will resonate well with the hiring team looking for a strong leader.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re here to help you every step of the way, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you need any support during your job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Finance in Essex
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Director of Finance role. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant achievements in finance to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role and how you can contribute to shaping the finance function at StudySmarter.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this role involves leading a team, be sure to mention your leadership style and any successful team management experiences. We want to see how you can inspire and develop others!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any updates!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Director of Finance, you’ll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and reporting standards relevant to the organisation. Be ready to discuss how you've enhanced financial reporting in previous roles.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
This role involves leading a team, so be prepared to share examples of how you've developed and mentored finance teams in the past. Highlight specific instances where your leadership made a tangible impact on team performance or morale.
✨Understand the Business Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the organisation's sector, especially if it’s in Further Education or Not-for-Profit. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their mission and how you can drive financial improvements that support their goals.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
Expect questions about strategic financial leadership and decision-making. Think about how you’ve partnered with senior stakeholders in the past and be ready to discuss your approach to driving change and process improvements within the finance function.
