At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the finance function, ensuring robust financial management and strategic planning.
- Company: Join Derwentside College, a vibrant and inclusive Further Education provider.
- Benefits: Enjoy 36 days annual leave, early finishes, and a pension scheme.
- Other info: Be part of a financially strong organisation with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on financial stability and support learner success.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with strong management and communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 57729 - 57729 £ per year.
Full Time – Site Based
Nigel Wright Group is delighted to be partnering with Derwentside College to recruit a Head of Finance, a key leadership role within a successful and ambitious Further Education provider.
Derwentside College is a vibrant and inclusive Further Education college located in the heart of Consett, delivering a broad range of high quality provision to young people and adults from across the local community.
In recent years, the College has made significant investment in its finance function including new financial reporting systems and stabilisation of the Team.
These developments reflect our ambition to ensure financial stability that support growth, enhance the learner experience and support high quality teaching and support services.
The Opportunity
Reporting to the Vice Principal Finance and Resources, the Head of Finance will support in leading the College's finance function, ensuring the delivery of robust financial management, reporting, governance and compliance.
The role combines strategic financial leadership with hands‑on operational responsibility and will play a vital part in supporting the College's future success.
Key responsibilities include
- Producing high-quality monthly management accounts and performance reporting.
- Managing cash flow, financial controls, statutory returns and year-end accounts.
- Leading the annual budgeting, forecasting and financial planning processes.
- Leading external audit activity and supporting internal audit requirements.
- Providing financial insight and challenge to senior leaders, budget holders and governors.
- Overseeing financial systems, processes and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Leading, developing and inspiring the finance team.
About You
We are seeking a qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or CIPFA) and strong team player/people manager.
You will bring strong technical expertise across financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting and financial control, alongside the ability to build effective relationships with a broad range of stakeholders.
The successful candidate will bring
- Strong management accounting and strategic planning capability.
- Experience of managing cash flow, balance sheet reconciliations, and financial controls.
- Experience of audit management, governance and risk management.
- Excellent communication skills and collaborative nature.
- A proactive approach to continuous improvement and team development with people management experience.
- Experience within education, public sector or not-for-profit environments would be advantageous but is not essential.
- Willingness to work on site
This is an opportunity to join a financially strong organisation with a clear strategic vision and genuine commitment to learner success.
You'll work closely with senior leaders, influence key decisions, and play a pivotal role in supporting the College's ambitions for further growth and continued excellence.
Benefits
- 36 days annual leave plus statutory bank holidays
- College closure at 2pm Fridays and early closure during holiday periods
- Automatic entry to the Local Government Pension Scheme
- Free on-site parking
- On-site catering
- Salary sacrifice electric vehicle car leasing scheme
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Head of Finance employer: Nigel Wright Recruitment
As a leading employer in the manufacturing sector, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic work culture that values innovation and collaboration. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through tailored development programmes and opportunities for advancement, particularly during this exciting transformation phase. Located in the North East of England, we offer competitive salaries and benefits, including a car allowance, making us an attractive choice for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance
✨Tap into Campus Networks
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We think you need these skills to ace Head 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.
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How to prepare for a job interview at Nigel Wright Recruitment
✨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 Nigel Wright Recruitment.
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Before your interview, reach out to current or former Nigel Wright Recruitment 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.
