Position Start Date: 18/08/2026 Contract Type: Full-time Contract Term: Permanent
Application Close: 24/07/2026 Midnight Date of Interviews: TBC
Salary: £87,223
Reference No: SR2229
Campus: Cross Campus
Hours: 37 hrs / week | 52 weeks / year
Contract: Permanent
Job Details
USP College is seeking an experienced and strategic Deputy Chief Financial Officer (Deputy CFO) to join our Senior Management Team. Reporting directly to the CFO, you will play a pivotal role in driving the College's financial strategy, ensuring robust financial management, and providing expert guidance to both finance and non-finance stakeholders.
This is an exciting opportunity for a qualified finance leader to oversee Finance and Payroll operations, lead budgeting and forecasting, support major projects, drive process improvements, and help shape the College's long-term financial sustainability.
The Role
- Support the CFO in delivering the College's financial strategy and maintaining financial health.
- Lead the Finance & Payroll Team, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.
- Oversee budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, procurement, payroll, and resource management.
- Provide insightful financial analysis and decision-making support to senior leaders and budget holders.
- Lead on risk management, insurance, financial compliance, and internal controls.
- Drive finance system enhancements and AI-enabled process improvements.
- Build strong relationships with governors, auditors, banks, and external stakeholders.
- Deliver training and guidance to managers on financial planning and performance.
About You
You will be a strategic and commercially minded finance professional with:
- Strong leadership and stakeholder management skills.
- Expertise in budgeting, forecasting, financial analysis, and compliance.
- The ability to communicate complex financial information to diverse audiences.
- A proactive approach to improving systems, processes, and service delivery.
- A full driving licence and access to your own transport.
The right candidate will have
- Educated to degree level and ACA/ICAEW/ICAS
- Knowledge of funding in the FE Sector
- Comprehensive knowledge of key financial regulations
- Proficiency in financial & payroll systems and software.
- A solid understanding of financial concepts, accounting principles and budgeting processes
- Excellent inter-personal and communication skills
- Demonstrable leadership skills
- Experience gained from FE, ideally from a grade 2 college
- Experience of change management, restructures, mergers and acquisition
Why choose us
Our strategy is to create a Career Focused, Digital Learning environment, ensuring that the learner experience and our relationship within our community, local and regional employers, are at the heart of everything we do. We are proud to be selected as finalists for the AoC Beacon awards for effective use of digital Technology in FE. Providing a high achieving, focused learning environment allowing our students to achieve the grades they need for higher educations, or the skills and aptitude required to secure a suitable role in their chosen career. Our college is set in the leafy suburbs of Essex, with easy access to surrounding areas and amenities, we are based in a well-connected location both by road and rail.
What we offer
- A dedicated and friendly team of professionals who are keen to develop and learn
- Annual Staff Awards
- CPD days - opportunities to grow and development through mentorship and coaching
- Free onsite parking
- Staff appreciation days
- Onsite Starbucks & Restaurant
- Electric Vehicle Scheme
- Discounted gym membership
- Hybrid Working available
- Fully immersive teaching rooms allow simultaneous online teaching at multiple locations
- Free Employee Assistance Programme available 24/7, 365 days offering legal & financial advice, as well as general support & guidance
All appointments are subject to safer recruitment requirements to ensure the safeguarding of children and young people. All positions will involve appropriate checks and clearances.
Full-time Finance Manager employer: St Teresa's
St Teresa's is an exceptional employer that values the vital role of Family Liaison Officers in fostering strong connections between students, families, and the school community. With a supportive work culture focused on collaboration and professional development, employees are encouraged to grow and make a meaningful impact during term time. Located in the beautiful Tendring area, the position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the academic and social success of children while enjoying a fulfilling work-life balance.
