At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance operations, budgeting, and strategic financial planning for a multi-campus college.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking college committed to student success and financial sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive benefits including health support, gym access, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Inclusive recruitment process with strong support for employee wellbeing.
- Why this job: Shape the future of finance in education while making a real impact on students' lives.
- Qualifications: Full accountancy qualification and significant senior finance leadership experience required.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 100000 £ per year.
HSDC is seeking an experienced, strategic and forward-thinking finance leader to join the College as Director of Finance Operations. This is a key senior leadership role within the College Leadership Team (CLT), responsible for leading the operational delivery of Finance across the organisation and strengthening financial management, reporting, governance and strategic financial insight across the College. Reporting to the Deputy CEO - Finance, the role represents a step change from operational financial support to senior leadership accountability, ensuring that robust financial planning, management accounting, forecasting, control and compliance are embedded at the heart of organisational decision-making. You will play a central role in supporting the College's ongoing financial recovery, sustainability and improvement journey, while helping to position the organisation strongly within an increasingly complex and evolving Further Education landscape. This role provides an exciting opportunity for an ambitious and values-driven finance professional to shape and modernise Finance operations within a large and complex multi-campus organisation.
Responsibilities
- Lead the operational delivery of Finance across the College, including financial reporting, management accounting, financial control and transactional finance.
- Lead the development of robust budgeting, forecasting and financial planning processes.
- Provide strategic financial advice, insight and challenge to Executive Leadership and budget holders.
- Oversee the production of high-quality monthly management accounts and financial performance reporting.
- Ensure strong financial governance, audit readiness and regulatory compliance arrangements.
- Lead on financial control, risk management and continuous improvement activity across the Finance function.
- Support the College's ongoing financial recovery and sustainability objectives.
- Lead and develop a high-performing Finance team, promoting accountability, professionalism and continuous improvement.
- Support effective engagement with auditors, regulators and governance stakeholders, including the Audit Committee and Board.
Requirements
- Full accountancy qualification (CIPFA, CIMA, ACCA or equivalent).
- Membership of a recognised professional accounting body.
- Significant senior finance leadership experience within a complex or multi-site organisation.
- Proven experience of delivering high-quality management accounting, budgeting, forecasting and financial planning.
- Strong understanding of financial governance, audit and regulatory compliance.
- Experience advising and influencing senior leaders and stakeholders.
- Experience leading and developing high-performing teams.
- Strong analytical capability, with the ability to translate complex financial information into clear and actionable insight.
- Excellent communication, leadership and relationship-building skills.
- A strategic, resilient and solutions-focused approach, with the ability to operate effectively within a complex and highly scrutinised environment.
- Experience within Further Education, the public sector or a similarly regulated environment would be advantageous.
How to apply
We strive in offering an inclusive and accessible recruitment and interview process to all candidates. Should you have any questions at all, or require any support with reasonable adjustments, please contact [emailprotected] and a member of our team will respond as soon as possible. For more information on the position itself, please connect with Charlotte Nancarrow - Executive Director - HR & Corporate Services via [emailprotected]. Please note, we appreciate the value of each applicant but kindly ask that you complete an application form as we do not accept CV's.
Closing Date for Applications: 14th June 2026
Interview Dates: 1st and 2nd July 2026
About Us
Would you like to work for us? We pride ourselves on being an employer of choice, seeking only the best people to help our students and colleagues realise their dreams and potential. If you're looking for college jobs in Hampshire, see how we support our people with health and wellbeing, learn more about the recruitment process, explore the benefits, and view our vacancies. Apply today!
Benefits
- Holiday Purchase Scheme
- Contribution towards Teacher Training funding for Lecturing staff*
- Enhanced holiday over statutory minimum
- Cycle to work scheme
- Financial contribution towards eye tests and glasses
- Free on-site parking
- Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme or Teacher's Pension
- Mind mental health services for employee wellbeing
- Access to DAS Counselling services
- Flu vaccination vouchers
- Onsite gym and sports facilities
- Onsite canteen - including Starbucks
*If you are recruited as an unqualified lecturer, you must enrol on the PGCE/Cert Ed within your first two years of employment. You are also enrolled on the fully funded Level 3 Award in Education & Training (formally known as PTLLS) shortly after you start with us, so your formal teacher training starts straight away.
We reserve the right to bring forward the closing date of the adverts should we receive a sufficient level of interest! Please note most roles advertised on AoC Jobs are posted directly by the college or employing organisation and are not being handled by the AoC Recruitment Team. If you would like to hear about interim and/or permanent roles being handled by AoC Recruitment, please send your CV to [emailprotected] and one of the team will be in touch.
Director of Finance Operations in Havant employer: HSDC
HSDC is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and wellbeing of its staff, offering a supportive work culture and a range of benefits including enhanced holiday schemes, mental health services, and access to onsite facilities. As a Director of Finance Operations, you will have the opportunity to lead a high-performing team within a dynamic multi-campus environment, contributing to the College's financial sustainability while enjoying professional development opportunities in the evolving Further Education landscape.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Finance Operations in Havant
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who have experience in Further Education. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the College's financial strategies and challenges. Show us that you understand the landscape and can bring valuable insights to the table. Tailor your responses to highlight how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your leadership style and financial expertise can drive the College's financial recovery and sustainability. We want to see your passion and strategic thinking shine through.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to our mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Finance Operations in Havant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Director of Finance Operations. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this is a senior leadership role, don’t shy away from sharing examples of how you've led teams and influenced decision-making in previous positions. We want to see your strategic thinking in action!
Be Clear and Concise:When filling out the application form, keep your answers clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of your achievements and skills.
Apply Through Our Website:Remember, we only accept applications through our website, so make sure to submit your application there. It’s the best way for us to receive and review your details!
How to prepare for a job interview at HSDC
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Director of Finance Operations, you’ll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've used them in past roles. This shows you can translate complex financial data into actionable insights.
✨Showcase Leadership Experience
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading high-performing finance teams. Discuss how you’ve fostered accountability and continuous improvement within your team, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Understand the Education Sector
Familiarise yourself with the challenges and opportunities within the Further Education landscape. Be prepared to discuss how your strategic approach can support the College's financial recovery and sustainability objectives.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you’ve effectively engaged with senior leaders and stakeholders in the past. Prepare to share specific instances where your strategic financial advice influenced decision-making, showcasing your ability to build strong relationships.
