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 RoleReporting 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 CandidateWe 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. 4689402