At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance operations, budgeting, and strategic financial planning across multiple campuses.
- Company: Join HSDC, a forward-thinking college dedicated to student success and professional growth.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, health perks, flexible working, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Inclusive recruitment process with excellent career growth and wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Shape the future of finance in education while making a real impact on students' lives.
- Qualifications: Must have full accountancy qualification and significant senior finance leadership experience.
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 is a key senior leadership role within the College Leadership Team (CLT), responsible for leading the operational delivery of Finance across the organisation and strengthening financial management, reporting, governance and strategic financial insight across the College. 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. You will need:
- 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.
How to apply
We strive in offering an inclusive and accessible recruitment and interview process to all candidates. Should you have any questions at all, or require any support with reasonable adjustments, please contact us directly and a member of our team will respond as soon as possible. Please note, we appreciate the value of each applicant but kindly ask that you complete an application form as we do not accept CVs.
Closing Date for Applications: 14th June 2026
Interview Dates: 1st and 2nd July 2026
About Us
Would you like to work for us? We pride ourselves on being an employer of choice, seeking only the best people to help our students and colleagues realise their dreams and potential. If you’re looking for college jobs in Hampshire, see how we support our people with health and wellbeing, learn more about the recruitment process, explore the benefits, and view our vacancies. Apply today!
Benefits
- Holiday Purchase Scheme
- Contribution towards Teacher Training funding for Lecturing staff*
- Enhanced holiday over statutory minimum
- Cycle to work scheme
- Financial contribution towards eye tests and glasses
- Free on-site parking
- Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme or Teacher’s Pension
- Mind mental health services for employee wellbeing
- Access to DAS Counselling services
- Flu vaccination vouchers
- Onsite gym and sports facilities
- Onsite canteen – including Starbucks
*If you are recruited as an unqualified lecturer, you must enrol on the PGCE/Cert Ed within your first two years of employment. You are also enrolled on the fully funded Level 3 Award in Education & Training (formally known as PTLLS) shortly after you start with us, so your formal teacher training starts straight away.
Director of Finance Operations in Alton employer: South Downs College
HSDC is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters professional growth and development for its employees. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, the College provides a range of benefits including access to mental health services, enhanced holiday schemes, and opportunities for further training, all within a supportive multi-campus setting in Hampshire. Join us to make a meaningful impact in the Further Education sector while enjoying a collaborative and inclusive culture.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Finance Operations in Alton
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like South Downs College. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Finance Operations in Alton
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.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to South Downs College.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on South Downs College's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at South Downs College
✨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 South Downs College.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at South Downs College will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former South Downs College 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.
