Head of Finance

Head of Finance Head of Finance – Permanent Role Salary: up to £57,729 per annum Location: Derwentside College, Consett, DH8 5EE Full Time – Site Based Nigel Wright Group is delighted to be partnering with Derwentside College to recruit a Head of Finance, a key leadership role within a successful and ambitious Further Education provider. Derwentside College is a vibrant and inclusive Further Education college located in the heart of Consett, delivering a broad range of high quality provision to young people and adults from across the local community. In recent years, the College has made significant investment in its finance function including new financial reporting systems and stabilisation of the Team. These developments reflect our ambition to ensure financial stability that support growth, enhance the learner experience and support high quality teaching and support services. The Opportunity Reporting to the Vice Principal Finance and Resources, the Head of Finance will support in leading the College's finance function, ensuring the delivery of robust financial management, reporting, governance and compliance. The role combines strategic financial leadership with hands-on operational responsibility and will play a vital part in supporting the College's future success. Key responsibilities include: • Producing high-quality monthly management accounts and performance reporting. • Managing cash flow, financial controls, statutory returns and year-end accounts. • Leading the annual budgeting, forecasting and financial planning processes. • Leading external audit activity and supporting internal audit requirements. • Providing financial insight and challenge to senior leaders, budget holders and governors. • Overseeing financial systems, processes and continuous improvement initiatives. • Leading, developing and inspiring the finance team. About You We are seeking a qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or CIPFA) and strong team player/people manager. You will bring strong technical expertise across financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting and financial control, alongside the ability to build effective relationships with a broad range of stakeholders. The successful candidate will bring: • Strong management accounting and strategic planning capability. • Experience of managing cash flow, balance sheet reconciliations, and financial controls. • Experience of audit management, governance and risk management. • Excellent communication skills and collaborative nature. • A proactive approach to continuous improvement and team development with people management experience. • Experience within education, public sector or not-for-profit environments would be advantageous but is not essential. • Willingness to work on site Why Join Derwentside College? This is an opportunity to join a financially strong organisation with a clear strategic vision and genuine commitment to learner success. You'll work closely with senior leaders, influence key decisions, and play a pivotal role in supporting the College's ambitions for further growth and continued excellence. • 36 days annual leave plus statutory bank holidays • College closure at 2pm Fridays and early closure during holiday periods • Christmas closure days • Automatic entry to the Local Government Pension Scheme • Flexible working • Annual staff celebration days • Continuous professional development • Free on-site parking • On-site catering • Salary sacrifice electric vehicle car leasing scheme