At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance operations, budgeting, and strategic financial planning for a multi-campus college.
- Company: HSDC, a forward-thinking educational institution with a commitment to financial excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working across campuses, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team focused on continuous improvement and high performance.
- Why this job: Shape the future of finance in education and make a real impact on financial sustainability.
- Qualifications: Full accountancy qualification and significant senior finance leadership experience required.
The predicted salary is between 60685 - 60685 £ per year.
Salary £60,685.41 per annum
Location: Principally Havant campus, with flexibility to work across Alton, Havant and South Downs campuses as required.
About The Role
HSDC is seeking an experienced, strategic and forward‑thinking finance leader to join the College as Director of Finance Operations. This key senior leadership role within the College Leadership Team (CLT) is responsible for leading the operational delivery of Finance across the organisation and strengthening financial management, reporting, governance and strategic financial insight. 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
- We are seeking an experienced and credible senior finance professional with strong technical expertise, leadership capability and strategic insight.
- 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.
Director of Finance Operations in Havant employer: onlyFE
HSDC is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, providing its employees with the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the education sector. With a focus on professional development and a commitment to financial sustainability, the College offers a supportive environment for growth, ensuring that team members are equipped to thrive in their roles across multiple campuses. The flexibility of working across Havant, Alton, and South Downs campuses enhances work-life balance, making HSDC an attractive choice for finance professionals seeking a rewarding career in Further Education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Finance Operations in Havant
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the finance sector! Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Ace the Interview
Prepare for your interviews by researching the college and its financial operations. Think about how your experience aligns with their needs and be ready to share specific examples. We want you to showcase your strategic insight and leadership skills, so practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently!
✨Follow Up
After your interview, don’t forget to send a thank-you email! It’s a great way to express your appreciation and reiterate your interest in the role. We believe this small gesture can make a big difference in keeping you top of mind for the hiring team.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Make sure to apply directly through our website for the best chance at landing the role. We keep our listings updated and it shows your commitment to the position. Plus, it’s easier for us to track your application and get back to you quickly!
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Finance Operations in Havant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Director of Finance Operations role. Highlight your relevant experience in financial management, governance, and leadership. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your achievements in finance operations and how they relate to our needs at HSDC.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a senior finance professional, we’re keen to see your leadership capabilities. In your application, mention any experience you have in leading teams or projects, especially in complex environments. We love a good success story!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at HSDC. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at onlyFE
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Director of Finance Operations, you’ll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics relevant to the role and be prepared to discuss how you've used them in past positions. This shows you’re not just familiar with numbers but can also leverage them for strategic decision-making.
✨Showcase Leadership Experience
This role requires strong leadership skills, so come ready to share specific examples of how you've led finance teams in the past. Highlight your approach to developing high-performing teams and how you’ve fostered a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
✨Understand the Education Sector
Familiarise yourself with the current challenges and trends in the Further Education landscape. Be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with these challenges and how you can contribute to the College’s financial recovery and sustainability objectives.
✨Prepare Strategic Insights
Think about how you can provide strategic financial advice to senior leaders. Prepare a few insights or suggestions based on your previous experiences that could help the College strengthen its financial management and governance. This will show your proactive approach and readiness to add value from day one.
