Executive Director of Finance Birmingham Permanent Full Time (37 hours per week) £61,884 - £70,231 per annum Reporting to: Vice Principal / CFOThe Number 2 Finance Role
We are seeking an ambitious and forward-thinking Executive Director of Finance to join our leadership structure as the Number 2 in Finance, reporting directly to the Vice Principal/CFO. This role would particularly suit a current Head of Finance or Finance Manager who is ready to take the next strategic step in their career, someone who wants broader exposure, greater leadership responsibility, and the opportunity to grow into a more senior executive finance role over time. If you are technically strong, commercially aware, and eager to develop your strategic influence within Further Education, this is an exceptional opportunity.
About the Role
As Executive Director of Finance, you will play a pivotal role in shaping and safeguarding financial sustainability while developing your own senior leadership profile.
Strategic Leadership
* Lead, mentor and develop a high-performing finance team aligned to organisational values.
* Foster a collaborative, customer-focused and forward-thinking culture.
* Deputise for the Vice Principal/CFO when required.
* Actively plan recruitment and succession to ensure future capability within the finance team.
* Contribute at Senior Leadership Team level, influencing organisation-wide decision‑making.
Financial Management & Reporting
* Ensure the preparation of accurate and timely management accounts and audited annual financial statements.
* Prepare annual budgets, financial forecasts and cash flow projections.
* Complete statutory returns including the Finance Record and College Financial Forecasting Return.
* Produce subsidiary accounts and covenant compliance returns.
* Provide high-quality financial reporting to the Corporation and Audit Committee.
* Support grant bids with detailed financial modelling and analysis.
Compliance & Governance
* Ensure compliance with the Department for Education's College Financial Handbook and requirements of the Department for Education, Office for Students, West Midlands Combined Authority and HMRC.
* Act as primary contact for external auditors and regulatory bodies.
* Maintain the Fraud Risk Register.
* Ensure strong internal controls, risk management and financial governance.
Technology & Continuous Improvement
* Champion the adoption of modern financial systems and automation.
* Drive digital innovation and data‑led decision‑making across the finance function.
* Oversee financial software, payroll and audit contracts.
* Continually review and enhance financial processes to improve efficiency and value for money.
Stakeholder Engagement
* Provide trusted financial advice to senior leaders and governors.
* Build strong relationships with funders, auditors and suppliers.
* Support colleagues across the organisation with clear, practical financial guidance.
About You
* A full professional accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA or equivalent).
* Significant experience in a senior finance role (ideally 5+ years), potentially as a Head of Finance or Finance Manager ready for progression.
* Experience producing management accounts and year-end financial statements.
* Experience working with external auditors.
* Strong financial systems knowledge and excellent IT skills.
* A solid understanding of UK Further Education funding (desirable).
* The ability to interpret complex financial information and provide strategic insight.
* A continuous improvement mindset and interest in digital innovation.
* Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to influence at senior level.
* Strong attention to detail and commitment to compliance.
Why This Role?
* Step into the Number 2 finance role within a Further Education environment.
* Gain exposure at executive and governance level.
* Develop strategic leadership capability.
* Grow within the role as the organisation evolves.
* Play a key role in shaping long‑term financial sustainability.
Morgan Hunt is a multi-award-winning recruitment business for interim, contract and temporary recruitment and acts as an Employment Agency in relation to permanent vacancies. Morgan Hunt is an equal opportunities employer. Job suitability is assessed on merit in accordance with the individual's skills, qualifications and abilities to perform the relevant duties required in a particular role.
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