Strategic Finance & Governance Lead
Location:
Base campus to be confirmed (with hybrid working options)
Salary:
£45,718 – £48,710 per annum
Contract:
Permanent, full-time
Northern Regional College is seeking a highly skilled Strategic Finance & Governance Lead to join our Finance, Governance & Risk team. This pivotal role will shape the financial future of the College, ensuring robust governance, preparing business cases, and supporting high-impact projects aligned with the College Development Plan.
We offer a competitive salary, NILGOSC pension scheme, generous annual leave, and flexible hybrid working arrangements.
Key Responsibilities
* Prepare and evaluate business cases and project appraisals in line with the Better Business Cases model.
* Provide governance, risk, and compliance support, including management of audit recommendations and governance returns.
* Deliver financial analysis, appraisals, and evaluations to support decision-making.
* Lead on the development of policies, procedures, and training in financial governance.
* Support bids and funding applications, providing financial modelling and costing analysis.
* Line manage the College Governance Officer.
* Engage with internal teams, the Department for the Economy, and external stakeholders to ensure compliance and best practice.
Essential Criteria
* A relevant degree (e.g. Business, Accountancy, Economics, IT, Statistics, Governance, Risk).
* GCSE English and Maths at grades A–C (or equivalent).
* At leas
t
1 year's experience preparing appraisals and evaluations using the Better Business Cases framework, or 3 years' experience in assessing and evaluating projects.
* At least 1 year's experience in financial governance, business case development, or public sector finance.
* Strong knowledge of governance frameworks, internal controls, and risk management.
* Proven ability to analyse complex data and present findings clearly.
* Excellent communication, influencing, and negotiation skills.
Desirable Criteria
* Knowledge of the Northern Ireland Further Education sector.
Why Join Us?
Northern Regional College is one of Northern Ireland's leading providers of further and higher education, supporting over 429,000 people across multiple council areas. You'll play a key role in driving governance excellence and financial leadership, helping to shape the College's strategic growth.
Terms of Appointment
* Salary: £45,718 – £48,710 per annum
* Pension: NILGOSC scheme (19% employer contribution)
* Annual Leave: 26 days + 11 statutory days
* Hybrid working: 1 day per week from home (term-time), with increased flexibility outside term-time