At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and governance for a leading college.
- Company: Walsall College, transforming lives through education in the West Midlands.
- Benefits: Generous salary, flexible working, health plans, and employee discounts.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to equality and safeguarding.
- Why this job: Shape the future of education while making a real impact in your community.
- Qualifications: Professional accountant with senior leadership experience and strong financial expertise.
The predicted salary is between 115000 - 115000 £ per year.
Walsall College is a leading further education institution in the West Midlands, delivering high-quality technical, professional and community education that transforms lives, supports employers and drives regional economic growth. We are seeking an outstanding finance leader to join our Executive Leadership Team as Executive Director of Finance and Estates.
Reporting to the Principal and Chief Executive, you will provide strategic leadership for Finance and Estates, ensuring strong financial management, effective governance and sustainable investment that supports excellent learner outcomes and the College's long-term ambitions.
About the RoleAs a Senior Post Holder, you will lead the College's financial strategy, planning, funding, audit, treasury and risk management functions. Working closely with the Principal, Executive Leadership Team and Corporation, you will support informed decision-making and ensure the College's continued financial strength and sustainability. You will also provide executive leadership for the College estate and capital investment programme, ensuring campuses remain safe, sustainable and aligned with future curriculum and organisational priorities. As a member of the Executive Leadership Team, you will contribute to the wider strategic direction of the College, supporting excellence, innovation and partnership across all areas.
About YouYou will be a professionally qualified accountant with significant senior leadership experience and a proven track record of delivering strategic financial leadership within a complex organisation. You will bring:
- Strong financial and commercial expertise
- Excellent leadership and influencing skills
- Sound judgement and professional credibility
- Experience of working with boards, governors and external stakeholders
- A collaborative, accountable and values-led leadership style
- A commitment to transforming lives and communities through education
This is an excellent opportunity to help shape the future of one of the region's leading colleges during an exciting period of development. We offer:
- Salary of £115,000
- Generous annual leave entitlement
- Flexible and family-friendly working arrangements
- Health Cash Plan and Employee Assistance Programme
- Occupational Health services
- Free onsite parking
- Employee discounts and additional benefits
Walsall College is committed to equality of opportunity and welcomes applications from all backgrounds. We value diversity and strive to create an inclusive workplace where everyone is respected, supported and able to achieve their full potential.
SafeguardingWalsall College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk. All appointments are subject to safer recruitment procedures, including references, online checks in line with KCSIE, an Enhanced DBS check and a Section 128 direction check where applicable. It is an offence to apply for this role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relating to children.
Executive Director of Finance and Estates in Walsall employer: Walsall College
Walsall College is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the welfare and development of both staff and children. With opportunities for professional growth and training, including First Aid and Food Hygiene qualifications, employees can thrive in a nurturing environment while making a meaningful impact in early years education at our vibrant Wisemore Campus.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Director of Finance and Estates in Walsall
✨Get Involved in Industry Events
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✨Engage in Professional Networks
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✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
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We think you need these skills to ace Executive Director of Finance and Estates in Walsall
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Us Your Leadership Skills:In the corporate leadership and management field, it's essential to highlight your leadership experience. Use your CV to flesh out examples of how you've led teams to success or managed significant projects. We want to see specific instances where your actions made a tangible difference in your previous roles!
Quantify Your Achievements:Numbers talk, especially in management! When detailing your achievements in your CV or cover letter, don’t just say you improved team performance. Instead, say you boosted productivity by 30% over six months through effective strategy implementation. This makes your application pop and shows us what you can bring to Walsall College.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to narrate your professional journey. We’re looking for motivation and a clear understanding of what corporate leadership means to you. Dive into your aspirations and how they align with the values and vision of Walsall College. Make it personal – we want to get to know you!
Tailor Your CV for Management Roles:Ensure your CV reflects the management skills that are essential for this role. Focus on competencies like strategic planning, team building, and problem-solving. Use a clean layout, and don’t forget to align your experiences with those keywords mentioned in the job listing. This will help you stand out from the crowd!
How to prepare for a job interview at Walsall College
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
You’ll want to thoroughly convey your unique approach to leadership. During the interview with Walsall College, be ready to share real-life examples of how you've inspired and motivated teams in the past. Think about specific achievements that illustrate your strategic thinking and your ability to drive results.
✨Brush Up on Management Theories
Expect some technical questions related to management theories and practices. Brush up on concepts like transformational leadership, servant leadership, or situational leadership. Be prepared to discuss how you would apply these theories to the role at Walsall College, especially in the specific context of the challenges they’re currently facing.
✨Craft Your Vision for the Company
Since this is a full-time leadership role, spending time thinking about your vision for Walsall College could really set you apart. Consider potential strategies for growth and how you would lead teams towards achieving them. This shows not just enthusiasm, but also strategic foresight that they’ll likely be looking for in a candidate.
✨Emphasise Team Dynamics and Culture
In corporate leadership, team dynamics and organisational culture are everything. Be ready to discuss how you've fostered a positive work environment in previous roles. Bring up examples of how you've managed diverse teams effectively—this will resonate well at Walsall College as they’re likely seeking a candidate who can enhance their workplace culture.
