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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial operations, budgeting, and compliance for a respected training provider.
- Company: Well-established training provider focused on education and skills development.
- Benefits: Remote work with occasional travel, competitive salary, and professional growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the education sector while leading a high-performance finance team.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified accountant with senior finance experience, preferably in education.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team dedicated to helping learners achieve their full potential.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
THIS ROLE IS REMOTE WITH OCCASIONAL TRAVEL. THE SUCCESSFUL APPLICANT CAN BE BASED ANYWHERE IN ENGLAND.
If your skills, experience, and qualifications match those in this job overview, do not delay your application.
About Our Client
Our client is a well-established and respected training provider, known for delivering exceptional education and skills programmes across a range of sectors. Their work helps learners achieve their full potential and supports employers in building a skilled and capable workforce.
As part of their continued growth, they are now seeking a commercially astute and strategically minded Head of Finance to lead their financial operations and contribute to the wider success of the business.
The Role
This is a senior leadership position, responsible for overseeing the full finance function. The successful candidate will provide strategic financial direction, ensure full compliance with regulatory and funding requirements (particularly ESFA), and deliver accurate and insightful reporting to support key business decisions.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead all day-to-day financial operations including budgeting, forecasting, cash flow, payroll, and reporting
* Produce detailed monthly management accounts with analysis for the senior leadership team
* Ensure compliance with ESFA funding rules, audit standards, and all relevant financial regulations
* Develop and implement effective financial policies, procedures, and internal controls
* Prepare annual budgets and long-term forecasts aligned with organisational goals
* Manage year-end accounts and liaise with external auditors
* Support the development of bids, tenders, and funding applications with accurate modelling and risk analysis
* Provide strategic financial insight to the CEO and senior leadership team
* Lead, support and develop members of the finance team to maintain a high-performance culture.
What We\’re Looking For
* Fully qualified accountant (ACCA, CIMA, ACA or equivalent)
* Significant experience in a senior finance role, preferably within the education or training sector
* Deep understanding of ESFA funding rules, ILR processes, and apprenticeship funding models
* Excellent commercial awareness and strategic thinking
* Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills
* A high level of integrity, accuracy, and attention to detail
* Proficiency in financial systems and Excel (experience with learner management or funding platforms a plus)
Head Of Finance employer: National Skills Agency
Contact Detail:
National Skills Agency Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Of Finance
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who have experience with ESFA funding. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of financial regulations and compliance. Be ready to discuss how you've navigated these in past roles, as this will show you're the strategic thinker they need.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of a strong online presence. Update your LinkedIn profile to reflect your skills and experiences, and engage with content related to finance and education. This can catch the eye of recruiters!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Of Finance
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience mentioned in the job description. Highlight your qualifications, especially if you're a fully qualified accountant, and any relevant experience in the education or training sector.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for the Head of Finance role. Mention your strategic thinking and leadership skills, and how they align with our client's goals.
Showcase Your Compliance Knowledge: Since compliance with ESFA funding rules is crucial, make sure to mention your understanding of these regulations. Share examples of how you've ensured compliance in previous roles to demonstrate your expertise.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at National Skills Agency
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Head of Finance, 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. Prepare examples of how your strategic decisions positively impacted the financial health of previous organisations.
✨Understand ESFA Regulations
Since compliance with ESFA funding rules is crucial, make sure you’re well-versed in these regulations. Familiarise yourself with the latest updates and be prepared to discuss how you’ve ensured compliance in your previous positions. This will show your potential employer that you’re proactive and knowledgeable.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
This role requires strong leadership, so think about times when you’ve successfully led a team or project. Be ready to share specific examples that highlight your ability to develop others and maintain a high-performance culture within your finance team.
✨Prepare Insightful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the company’s financial strategies and challenges. This not only shows your interest but also gives you insight into whether this role aligns with your career goals. Ask about their approach to budgeting and forecasting, for instance.
