Director of Finance

• Location: Birmingham
• Job Type: Permanent, Full-time (37 hours per week)

We are currently seeking an accomplished Executive Director of Finance to join the senior leadership team of a leading Further Education college based in Birmingham. This strategic role is designed to enhance financial stewardship, drive digital capability, and support sustainable growth within a highly regulated, mission-led environment.

Day-to-day of the role:

• Strategic Leadership & Team Development:

  • Lead, mentor, and empower the finance team, fostering a high-performance culture aligned with the college's values.
  • Serve as a senior advisor to the College Management Team, ensuring financial strategies support educational and organisational goals.
  • Continuously improve financial processes, systems, and frameworks to support growth and sustainability.
  • Deputise for the Vice Principal/CFO when required.

• Financial Reporting & Planning:

  • Oversee the delivery of accurate financial statements, management accounts, and reports for internal and external stakeholders.
  • Lead statutory and regulatory reporting in line with ESFA, audit, and sector requirements.
  • Prepare and manage annual budgets, forecasting, and cash flow planning.
  • Provide transparent reporting to the Corporation, Audit Committee, and senior teams.

• Digital Transformation & Financial Systems:

  • Maximise the use of digital finance systems, increasing automation and reducing manual processes.
  • Champion the integration of data-driven financial insights to support strategic decision-making across the organisation.

• Governance, Risk & Compliance:

  • Ensure compliance with all relevant FE sector financial regulations, standards, and statutory frameworks.
  • Develop robust financial policies and risk-management strategies.
  • Act as the primary contact for auditors, regulators, and funding agencies.

• Stakeholder & Partnership Management:

  • Build strong relationships with external partners including auditors, funders, and suppliers.
  • Provide expert financial guidance to leaders and departments across the college.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• Proven senior financial leadership experience within Further Education or a closely regulated public-sector environment.
• Strong technical knowledge of FE funding, regulatory frameworks, and statutory reporting.
• Advanced digital skills with experience in modernising finance functions and implementing enhanced financial systems.
• Exceptional communication and influencing skills at executive level.
• A strategic mindset with the ability to balance long-term planning with the realities of daily financial management.

Benefits:

• Opportunity to impact an FE institution undergoing digital and organisational transformation.
• Senior leadership influence with direct access to the Executive Team.
• Access to ongoing training and professional development.
• An inclusive culture with a strong commitment to wellbeing and work-life balance.
• Highly competitive salary and benefits package.

To apply for the Executive Director of Finance position, please submit your CV today.