Executive Director of Finance

Executive Director of Finance

Salary: £61,884 - £70,231 per annumContract: Permanent, Full Time (37 hours per week)Location: Birmingham (with requirement to work across all centres)Reports to: Vice Principal/CFO

About the Role

We are seeking a highly experienced, innovative and strategically minded Executive Director of Finance to lead our financial operations and play a pivotal role in shaping the organisation's long-term financial sustainability.

This is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious senior finance professional to drive transformation, enhance digital capability, and ensure outstanding financial management across a complex, multi-site environment.

You will lead a dedicated finance team, champion modern financial systems, and provide trusted strategic advice to senior leaders. Your work will support the organisation's mission, future ambitions, and commitment to delivering exceptional value for money.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Strategy

• Lead, motivate and develop the finance team, embedding a high-performance, customer-focused and digitally enabled culture.

Financial Management & Reporting

• Oversee preparation of accurate and timely management accounts, annual financial statements, and statutory returns.
• Produce annual budgets and robust budget assumptions.

Systems, Technology & Efficiency

• Champion digital innovation within finance, implementing systems that automate processes and improve efficiency.

Compliance & Governance

• Ensure compliance with funding bodies and regulators including DfE, OfS, WMCA and HMRC.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders including funders, auditors and suppliers

Essential Criteria

To be successful, you must have:

• Full accountancy qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA or equivalent).
• Significant senior financial management experience (5+ years), ideally within education or the public sector.
• Experience producing management accounts and year-end financial statements.
• Experience leading financial audits and working effectively with external auditors.
• Excellent IT skills and strong knowledge of financial systems and reporting processes.
• Expertise in financial management, accounting standards and financial reporting.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex financial data.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong attention to detail with a commitment to accuracy and compliance.

Desirable Criteria

• Understanding of UK Further Education funding and financial management.
• Experience providing financial advice at senior management or board level.
• Experience applying a continuous improvement approach.
• Excellent interpersonal and stakeholder management skills.
• Commitment to continuous professional development.

Why Join Us?

This is a senior leadership role with significant influence, scope and opportunity to make a lasting impact. You will lead a forward-thinking finance function committed to innovation, digital transformation and sector-leading financial stewardship.