Deputy Finance Director

4689402
  • Job type

    Permanent
  • Location

    Essex
  • Working Pattern

    Flexible Working,Full-time
  • Specialism

    Senior Finance Qualified
  • Industry

    Charities & Not For Profit
  • Pay

    Circa £80,000 p/a + LGPS

Further Education College is seeking to recruit a Qualified Accountant as Deputy Director of Finance


A leading Further Education college in Essex is seeking to appoint an exceptional Head of Finance / Deputy Director of Finance to play a key role in leading and developing its finance function. This is a confidential opportunity for an experienced and collaborative finance leader who is ready to take the next step in their career. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of success in a Further Education college.

The Role
Reporting to the Director of Finance, you will provide leadership across the finance team, ensuring high-quality financial management, robust controls, and insightful reporting to support strategic decision-making. You will also:
  • Lead on financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting
  • Deliver accurate and timely statutory and management reporting
  • Champion a business partnering approach across academic and support divisions
  • Develop and improve systems, processes, and the capability of the finance function
  • Work collaboratively with senior leaders across the organisation
  • Support long-term strategic planning and funding bids

This is a visible and influential leadership role with the opportunity to make a lasting impact.

The Ideal Candidate
We are seeking a qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) who brings:

  • A proven track record of driving improvement in a finance team
  • Proven experience of working in Further or Higher Education
  • Demonstrated success in collaborating with non-finance stakeholders
  • Strong experience in financial and statutory reporting
  • A proactive, strategic mindset with excellent interpersonal skills
  • A commitment to continuous improvement and innovation

✅ Experience in the Further Education sector is essential.
What’s on Offer
  • Flexible and hybrid working (minimum on-site presence required)
  • Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
  • Enhanced annual leave entitlement
  • A progressive, supportive working environment with clear leadership
  • A platform for professional growth, with succession potential to Finance Director

What you need to do now
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.
If this job isn't quite right for you but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion on your career.

Apply for this job

Talk to Senan Pierce, the specialist consultant managing this position

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