Head of Finance

We are delighted to be able to support a Further Education College that is part of a larger Group with their search for a Permanent Head of Finance into a newly created position. This role will be based in Skelmersdale.

You will work very closely with the Director of Curriculum & Director of Quality to support them with delivering an efficient curriculum. You will also be expected to present information to them on a monthly basis and tell the story behind the numbers to non-Finance people. In addition, you will be expected to become a completely trusted resource in the team. You will have responsibility for a Finance Officer, Finance Assistant & Apprentice Assistant.

Duties will include:

- Providing leadership of the college finances to enable effective planning, budgeting & monitoring, ensuring accurate & timely financial information to key stakeholders
- Ensuring that all applicable funding is claimed
- Taking responsibility for a local budget of £11m
- Providing line management support for the Finance department in order to meet the organisation's strategic & operational objectives
- Ensuring the work produced by the team is completed to a high quality & meets the requirements of internal and external auditors

Experience / Qualifications required:

- It would be useful if you have previous work experience as a Business Analyst as you would be able to test the Curriculum Lead and steer them in areas of the business that they can make more money out
- College / University experience would be helpful but not essential. If you have previously managed in an Academy structure, this will be favourable.
- Must be super-organised and be on top of everything on a monthly basis. You should be a very proactive individual who can produce ideas & solutions without prompting.
- Fully Qualified Accountant
- Good standard of Education
- Management Qualification would be preferable, such as ILM Level 3 or CMI
- Experience of managing a Finance team / department
- Extensive understanding of double entry book keeping
- Experience of preparing monthly management reports
- Excellent skills in analysing, interpreting and using complex data
- Good self-management & organisational skills
- Excellent communication skills
- Ability to work under pressure
- Good attention to detail
- Ability to build a successful team
- Experience of coordinating budget & reforecast programme would be advantageous

This role will pay a salary of £41,916 + 35 days Holiday + Bank Holidays + Local Government Pension scheme + Free Parking + Retail discounts. You will have the ability to take your holidays in term time. Hours of work are 37 hours per week, 8:45am - 5pm, with an early finish on Friday at 4:30pm. Flexible working & TOIL is on offer.

This organisation operate a very open & honest culture and really live by their company values. They are based on a modern campus which has a real community spirit. It is a really fun place to work, everyone works well as part of a team and many of the staff have been there in excess of 20 years! There are also extensive opportunities for further self-development.

My Client is looking for interviews to take place on Wednesday 23rd August and will look to appoint soon after this time. If you're interested, please send me your CV ASAP!

Reed Specialist Recruitment is an Employment Agency and an Employment Business for permanent and temporary recruitment. In response to your application Reed will contact you by phone, email or SMS to discuss it and related opportunities. You can opt out at any time using the links provided.