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 or 01934 411441.
Please note: this vacancy may close early if sufficient applications are received, so we encourage early applications.
Chief Financial Officer in Wick 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, we prioritise financial integrity and strategic leadership while promoting a culture of inclusivity and diversity. Our commitment to employee welfare and continuous improvement ensures that our team members thrive both personally and professionally in their roles.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Financial Officer in Wick
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who have experience with financial leadership roles. A friendly chat can lead to valuable insights and even potential referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching Weston College thoroughly. Understand their financial strategies and challenges. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to discuss your experience in financial governance and compliance. Use specific examples that highlight your achievements and how they align with the responsibilities of the CFO role.
✨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 Weston College.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Financial Officer in Wick
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 should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this position. Share specific examples of your achievements in financial governance and compliance. Let your personality shine through!
Showcase Your Strategic Thinking:In your application, emphasise your strategic financial leadership skills. We’re looking for someone who can provide authoritative advice and lead financial planning effectively. Make it clear how you can contribute to our mission.
Apply Early!:Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application. We encourage early applications as the vacancy may close early if we receive enough interest. Head over to our website and get your application in!
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 finance teams and contributed to organisational success. Highlight your experience in financial governance and compliance, as well as how you've managed audits and ensured data integrity in previous roles.
✨Align with Their Values
Weston College values equality, diversity, and inclusion. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve promoted these values in your previous positions. Showing that you share their commitment to safeguarding and welfare will resonate well with the interviewers.
