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- Tasks: Lead financial planning, budgeting, and compliance while managing a high-performing finance team.
- Company: Join a reputable college in Essex dedicated to educational excellence and community impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary of up to £75k and opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in education while enhancing your leadership skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Must be a fully qualified accountant with experience in education or audit sectors.
- Other info: An Enhanced DBS check is required; be part of a dynamic team driving financial success.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 84000 £ per year.
Morgan Hunt are working with a College based in Essex who are looking at recruiting a Head of Finance. This is a permanent role paying up to 75k.
Key Responsibilities of the Head of Finance:
- Oversee financial planning, forecasting, and budgeting, ensuring effective cost control.
- Prepare financial statements, profit and loss reports, and balance sheets for senior management.
- Ensure compliance with financial regulations, audit requirements, and statutory reporting standards.
- Monitor cash flow, expenditure, and financial risks, ensuring robust financial health.
- Lead the preparation of year-end financial statements and liaise with auditors.
- Manage financial systems and controls to enhance operational efficiency.
Procurement & Compliance:
- Develop and implement procurement strategies in line with public sector regulations.
- Ensure statutory and financial obligations are met and value-for-money principles are upheld.
- Lead tendering and contract negotiations to ensure effective supplier management.
- Maintain adherence to GDPR, Data Protection Act 2018, and Freedom of Information Act 2000.
Leadership & Strategic Development:
- Lead and manage the finance team, ensuring high performance and professional development.
- Work closely with senior management to align financial strategies with organisational goals.
- Drive continuous improvements in financial services, governance, and control.
- Provide expert financial advice to senior leaders and key stakeholders.
Previous Skills and Experience of the Head of Finance:
- Must have Further or Higher Education experience OR audit experience having audited in the education sector.
- Fully qualified accountant (CIMA, CIPFA, ACCA, ICA) with significant experience in a similar role.
- Production and review of financial reporting i.e. Monthly Management Accounts & Statutory financial statements.
- Experience of multi-year cash flow management.
- Experience of developing appropriate financial systems.
- Experience of budget setting and 3-year financial planning at organisation and departmental level.
- The successful candidate must hold an Enhanced DBS or be willing to undergo processing.
Head of Finance employer: Morgan Hunt
Contact Detail:
Morgan Hunt Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance
✨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 institutions.
✨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 ensuring adherence to statutory obligations.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you would manage a finance team effectively. Think about examples from your past experiences where you successfully led a team or implemented improvements in financial processes.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the college's financial health and any recent developments in their financial strategies. Being knowledgeable about their current situation will allow you to tailor your discussions and show how you can contribute to their goals.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in financial planning, budgeting, and compliance. Use specific examples from your previous roles that demonstrate your ability to oversee financial operations effectively.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for the education sector and how your qualifications align with the role. Mention your experience with financial regulations and your leadership skills, as these are crucial for the Head of Finance position.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly state your accounting qualifications (CIMA, CIPFA, ACCA, ICA) and any further or higher education experience. This will help the hiring team quickly see that you meet the essential criteria for the role.
Showcase Leadership Experience: Emphasise your experience in leading finance teams and driving strategic development. Provide examples of how you've improved financial services and governance in previous roles, as this is a key responsibility of the position.
How to prepare for a job interview at Morgan Hunt
✨Showcase Your Financial Acumen
As a Head of Finance, it's crucial to demonstrate your deep understanding of financial planning, forecasting, and budgeting. Be prepared to discuss specific examples from your past roles where you successfully managed financial statements and ensured compliance with regulations.
✨Highlight Leadership Experience
This role requires strong leadership skills. Share experiences where you've led a finance team or collaborated with senior management to align financial strategies with organisational goals. Emphasise your ability to drive improvements in financial services and governance.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions related to financial systems, cash flow management, and procurement strategies. Brush up on relevant regulations like GDPR and the Data Protection Act, as well as your experience with tendering and contract negotiations to showcase your expertise.
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Compliance
Given the importance of compliance in this role, be ready to discuss how you've ensured adherence to financial regulations and statutory reporting standards in your previous positions. Highlight any experience you have with audits, especially in the education sector.
