At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and governance for a fast-growing college.
- Company: Weston College, a dynamic and inclusive educational institution.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a commitment to diversity.
- Other info: Join a supportive team dedicated to safeguarding and promoting welfare.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact on the financial sustainability of education.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified accountant with senior financial leadership experience.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 100000 £ per year.
As one of the fastest-growing Colleges in the UK, delivering courses from entry level right up to Masters degrees, Weston College is an inspiring place to work. We are looking for a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to join our team. It is anticipated that interviews for this position will take place on Wednesday 8th July 2026.
The CFO is a senior executive role responsible for ensuring the financial sustainability, regulatory compliance, and strategic financial leadership of the Weston College Group. You will provide authoritative advice to the Executive Leadership Team, Board, and its committees, ensuring that we operate with the highest standards of financial governance, assurance, and value for money.
The CFO will lead all aspects of finance, funding, audit, treasury, and financial control, alongside strategic leadership of Management Information Systems (MIS) to ensure high-quality data, funding assurance, and performance insight underpin decision-making across the College.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Strategic Financial Leadership
- Financial Governance and Compliance
- Funding Strategy and MIS Leadership
- Financial Management and Reporting
- Audit, Data Assurance and Control
- Leadership and People Management
- Corporate Contribution
To be successful in this role, you will need to:
- Be a fully qualified accountant (CIMA, ACA, ACCA, CIPFA)
- Have significant senior financial leadership experience within Further Education
- Have proven experience of financial governance, audit, and regulatory compliance with a strong track record in financial planning, budgeting, and strategic decision support.
- Have strong understanding of:
- Financial governance, control and risk management.
- Data integrity, MIS systems, and performance reporting.
- Public sector accountability requirements.
Weston College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We value equality, diversity and inclusion, and welcome applications from all backgrounds and communities. As a Disability Confident employer, we will support applicants who require reasonable adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact grouprecruitment@weston.ac.uk or 01934 411441.
Please note: this vacancy may close early if sufficient applications are received, so we encourage early applications.
Chief Financial Officer employer: Weston College
Weston College is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and supportive work environment that fosters professional growth and development. As a leading institution in the UK further education sector, we prioritise financial governance and strategic leadership while promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion. Our commitment to employee welfare and a collaborative culture makes Weston College an inspiring place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Financial Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who have insights into Weston College. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the college’s financial strategies and recent developments. Show us you’re not just a numbers person but someone who understands the bigger picture and can contribute to our mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate how your experience aligns with the CFO role. We want to hear about your leadership style and how you’ve tackled financial challenges in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Financial Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the CFO role. Highlight your financial leadership experience and any relevant qualifications like CIMA or ACA. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for the role and how you can contribute to our financial governance and strategic leadership. Keep it engaging and to the point.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements in previous roles. Use numbers and specific examples to demonstrate your impact on financial planning, budgeting, and compliance. We love seeing results!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Weston College
✨Know Your Numbers
As a CFO, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've used them in past roles. This shows you can provide the strategic financial leadership they’re looking for.
✨Understand the Education Sector
Familiarise yourself with the specific financial challenges and regulations within the Further Education sector. Being able to speak knowledgeably about funding strategies and public sector accountability will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Showcase Leadership Experience
Prepare examples of how you've led teams and managed financial governance in previous roles. Highlight your experience in audit and compliance, as well as how you've contributed to corporate strategy. This will demonstrate your capability to lead at a senior level.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about Weston College’s financial strategies and challenges. This not only shows your interest but also your strategic thinking and understanding of the role's impact on the organisation.
