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- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and mentor a skilled finance team at Newham College.
- Company: Join one of London’s largest and top-performing further education institutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, generous holiday, and pension package.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on education and community in East London.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified accountant with extensive leadership experience in finance.
- Other info: Be part of an innovative college that prioritises people and transformation.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 ÂŁ per year.
Join Newham College as our Executive Director of Finance and help us shape the future of education and community impact in East London. Newham College is one of London’s largest and top-performing further education (FE) institutions. With campuses in East Ham, Stratford, Plaistow, and the London City Institute of Technology, we serve over 11,000 students across diverse pathways—16–18, adult education, apprenticeships, T Levels, and higher education. We pride ourselves on our Ofsted rated “Good” with outstanding features, our innovative culture and our unwavering investment in staff and infrastructure.
As Executive Director of Finance, you form part of the Senior Leadership team reporting directly into the Executive Board, leading the development and oversight of the finance function. Following our recent merger, we need an aspiring leader to drive transformation from traditional management accounting to integrated business partnering and to mentor and grow a skilled finance team fostering a high‑performance, customer‑focused ethos.
With oversight and responsibility for developing robust financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and analysis processes, you will work closely with the CFOO and be an integral member of the senior leadership team. We are looking for a fully qualified accountant, with extensive post‑qualified experience, who has demonstrable leadership in finance, ideally in education, though open to those in the wider public and not‑for‑profit sectors. We are particularly keen on those with sophisticated people leadership and team development skills.
We offer hybrid working, a competitive salary, generous holiday and pension and benefits package, details of which, and much more, can be found on our dedicated recruitment microsite Newham College London | AQ. For an informal and confidential conversation about this exciting opportunity please do get in touch with our advising consultants at Anderson Quigley, Sophie Rees sophie.rees@andersonquigley.com or Paul Aristides paul.aristides@andersonquigley.com.
At Newham College, you’ll make a real difference to students, staff, and the surrounding communities. You’ll be part of an ambitious, innovative college that puts people first—where financial leadership drives transformation, opportunity, and growth.
Closing date: 23 February 2026
Executive Director of Finance employer: Schoolsweek
Contact Detail:
Schoolsweek Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Director of Finance
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector and let them know you're on the hunt for the Executive Director of Finance role. You never know who might have the inside scoop or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching Newham College thoroughly. Understand their values, recent developments, and challenges they face. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in making an impact.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! Think of specific examples where you've driven transformation or developed teams. These anecdotes will showcase your skills and align perfectly with what Newham College is looking for in their next finance leader.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining the team at Newham College and ready to contribute to their mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Executive Director of Finance
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Executive Director of Finance role. Highlight your leadership in finance and any relevant experience in education or the public sector.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about this role and how you can contribute to our mission at Newham College. Be genuine and let your personality come through.
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to drive transformation and lead teams. Numbers and outcomes speak volumes, so don’t shy away from sharing them!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our recruitment microsite. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details about the role and benefits there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Schoolsweek
✨Know Your Numbers
As the Executive Director of Finance, you’ll need to demonstrate a solid grasp of financial principles. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've used them to drive decision-making in previous roles. This shows your expertise and readiness to lead.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience, especially in mentoring finance teams. Think about specific instances where you’ve fostered a high-performance culture or led a team through transformation. This will resonate well with their focus on sophisticated people leadership.
✨Understand the Education Sector
Familiarise yourself with the challenges and opportunities within the education sector, particularly in further education. Be prepared to discuss how your experience can translate into impactful financial strategies for Newham College, showing that you’re not just a numbers person but also a strategic thinker.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that reflect your interest in the college’s mission and future direction. Inquire about their recent merger and how they envision the finance function evolving. This demonstrates your genuine interest and helps you assess if the role aligns with your career goals.
