At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial management and strategy at St Helens College.
- Company: Join a supportive and ambitious Senior Leadership Team.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, pension scheme, and professional development.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a dynamic educational environment.
- Why this job: Shape the future of education while making a real impact.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified accountant with strong leadership and communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 70000 £ per year.
St Helens College is seeking an exceptional finance professional to join our Senior Leadership Team as Director of Finance.
Salary is £65,000‑£70,000 per annum, with 36 hours per week, based at St Helens College and reporting directly to the Deputy Chief Executive / CFO.
Shape the Future of Further Education.
About The Role As Director of Finance, you will provide strategic leadership across all aspects of the College's financial management, including financial planning, reporting, compliance, procurement and resource management.
You will lead the development and implementation of the College's Finance Strategy, ensure robust financial controls and support informed decision‑making across the organisation.
Key Responsibilities Include Leading the Finance and Procurement Teams.
Producing and presenting monthly management accounts and financial reports.
Preparing annual budgets, forecasts and statutory accounts.
Managing external audit processes.
Ensuring compliance with financial, tax, VAT and procurement regulations.
Supporting major strategic projects and financial reviews.
Building effective relationships with budget holders and key external College stakeholders.
Deputising for the Deputy Chief Executive/CFO when required.
What We're Looking For We are looking for a confident and collaborative finance leader who combines strong technical expertise with excellent leadership and communication skills.
You Will Be A fully qualified accountant (CCAB or CIMA), or able to demonstrate substantial relevant experience within a further education environment.
Experienced in financial planning, management accounting, statutory reporting and financial forecasting.
A skilled leader with a track record of developing and motivating high‑performing teams.
Commercially aware with the ability to influence decision‑making at senior level.
Committed to continuous improvement, collaboration and excellence.
A person of integrity who inspires confidence and builds strong professional relationships.
Experience within Further Education or a similar publicly funded environment would be advantageous.
In Return, We Offer The opportunity to influence the strategic direction of the College.
Membership of an ambitious and supportive Senior Leadership Team.
Excellent professional development opportunities.
A generous annual leave entitlement.
Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme.
A comprehensive package of staff benefits and wellbeing support.
Safeguarding Statement St Helens College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults.
All appointments are subject to satisfactory pre‑employment checks, including an enhanced DBS check. #J-18808-Ljbffr
Director of Finance employer: Knowsley Community College
Knowsley Community College is an excellent employer for those passionate about shaping the future of students in the Travel & Tourism sector. With a supportive work culture, generous holiday entitlement, and a commitment to employee development, this part-time role offers a unique opportunity to engage with learners while enjoying a balanced work-life schedule. The college's strong industry connections further enhance the teaching experience, making it a rewarding place to grow professionally.
Contact Details:
Knowsley Community College Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Finance
✨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 Knowsley Community College. 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 Director of Finance
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 Knowsley Community College.
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 Knowsley Community College'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 Knowsley Community College
✨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 Knowsley Community College.
✨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 Knowsley Community College 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 Knowsley Community College 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.
