South Essex Colleges Group is seeking an exceptional Head of Financial Control to provide strategic leadership across our finance operations, including audit, accounts payable & receivable, payroll, financial reporting and procurement. This is a pivotal leadership role with significant responsibility for ensuring financial integrity, compliance and long-term sustainability across a complex and growing organisation. You’ll be a trusted adviser to senior leaders, an enabler of innovation, and a guardian of governance. Thurrock will be the base campus for this role. The College reserves the right to fill this vacancy ahead of the closing date if a suitable candidate is found. Our Commitment to Equality and Safeguarding We are proud to be a diverse and inclusive organisation. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and are committed to creating a safe and respectful working environment for everyone. SECG is committed to the safeguarding of young people and vulnerable adults Tasks Job Purpose To provide strategic leadership of the organisation’s financial control function, with overarching responsibility for commercial accounting, audit, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, treasury and risk management, ensuring each function operates efficiently, compliantly, and in alignment with organisational goals. To oversee the delivery of payroll operations through effective line management, ensuring statutory compliance, internal control, and the timely and accurate processing of all payroll activities. To maintain robust financial governance across all areas of responsibility, ensuring the production of accurate, timely financial reporting and full compliance with regulatory and statutory obligations. To safeguard the integrity of financial ledgers and systems through strong internal controls, and to ensure the timely implementation of audit recommendations. To provide high-level financial insight and strategic advice to senior leaders, supporting informed decision-making and long-term financial planning. To lead and contribute to cross-functional finance projects that enhance financial processes, efficiency, and business intelligence across the organisation. To take overall responsibility for the preparation and reconciliation of UK VAT returns and to lead the development and implementation of financial policies, ensuring alignment with best practice and legislation. To provide strategic oversight of the organisation’s procurement function, ensuring value for money, compliance with procurement regulations, and alignment with financial and operational goals. The Head of Financial Control is a key leadership role with significant accountability for financial control and governance. The post-holder will be expected to demonstrate personal ownership over the integrity, accuracy, and compliance of all financial operations under their remit. Issues of underperformance or non-compliance will be addressed through structured performance management processes, where appropriate. Principal Duties Provide strategic leadership and direction for the organisation’s financial accounting, ensuring robust systems, processes, and controls are in place to support long-term financial sustainability. Ensure the accuracy, integrity, and compliance of the financial accounts, taking full responsibility for the organisation’s financial reporting framework. Lead the preparation and delivery of high-quality financial reports for internal and external stakeholders, supporting strategic decision-making. Oversee the preparation of statutory annual accounts and ensure integrity across the financial ledgers, including final accounts sign-off. Monitor and Manage cash flow projections. Lead the organisation’s cash flow management strategy, including forecasting, monitoring, and liquidity planning. Ensure full compliance with financial regulations, funding body requirements, and internal financial policies; identify and mitigate financial risks proactively. Lead the implementation and tracking of internal and external audit recommendations and ensure audit-readiness across all finance functions. Provide effective line management and leadership to finance team members. Take overall responsibility for the preparation and submission of statutory accounts for the group and subsidiaries, and other regulatory returns. Act as the senior point of contact for external auditors, ensuring the timely provision of audit evidence, high-quality working papers, and resolution of audit queries. Lead on the development and maintenance of the organisation’s financial statements, accounting policies, and compliance with the Annual Reporting Manual. Ensure monthly production and review of trial balances, balance sheets, and reconciliation of control accounts, maintaining financial accuracy throughout the reporting cycle. Provide expert financial advice and guidance to senior management and non-financial colleagues on complex and high-value financial issues. Own and maintain the organisation’s Strategic Risk Register, ensuring that financial risks are identified, monitored, and mitigated appropriately. Lead on the development and management of the organisation’s Capital Plan in line with strategic priorities. Oversee the analysis, review, and reconciliation of income and expenditure variances, ensuring financial accuracy and transparency. Identify and implement improvements to financial systems, controls, and processes; drive efficiencies and cost savings where possible. Contribute to the continuous development of the Finance function by leading strategic projects and supporting organisational change initiatives. Provide leadership and direction for the procurement function, ensuring that purchasing activity is compliant, cost-effective, and aligned with the organisation’s strategic priorities. Ensure procurement policies and procedures are robust, up to date, and consistently applied across the organisation, including tendering, contract management, and supplier evaluation. Support the Procurement Manager in implementing efficient sourcing strategies, supplier risk assessments, and category management plans to improve value and mitigate commercial risk. Collaborate with senior leaders and budget holders to ensure procurement decisions are financially sound and support long-term planning and sustainability. Oversee the development and implementation of procurement KPIs and reporting metrics, ensuring transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement in purchasing practices. General Responsibilities Foster a culture of openness, innovation, and continuous improvement, empowering finance staff to contribute ideas, challenge existing processes, and work collaboratively across departments to enhance financial performance and efficiency. Take a proactive leadership role in maintaining the health, safety, and wellbeing of staff and students by ensuring full compliance with College policies and effective implementation of risk management practices within the Finance function. Champion equality, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of leadership, decision-making, and service delivery; model inclusive behaviours and address unacceptable conduct promptly and constructively. Ensure full compliance with GDPR and data protection regulations in the management and processing of financial and personal data, maintaining high standards of confidentiality and accountability. Lead the implementation and consistent application of College policies and procedures within the finance team; ensure clear communication, compliance monitoring, and timely reporting of any issues. Build and maintain effective working relationships with academic and professional services teams to support organisational goals and deliver a high-quality service to staff and students. Actively lead and participate in College-wide committees, working groups, and cross-functional meetings, contributing financial insight and strategic direction where required. Undertake additional duties commensurate with the seniority of the post, as required by the College Senior Leadership Team or Executive Board, in support of organisational priorities and strategic objectives. Note: The above list of responsibilities provides clarity as to roles and responsibilities; however, this may not be exhaustive and is subject to strategic decisions, business operational needs, legislation, or regulations etc. The role specification does not form part of your contract of employment. Requirements Qualifications Essential Fully qualified accountant (CIMA, ACCA, ACA or equivalent). Relevant leadership or management qualification (e.g. ILM, CMI). Desirable Relevant leadership or management qualification (e.g. ILM, CMI). Experience / Knowledge Essential Significant experience producing statutory Financial Statements and regulatory compliance reporting. Strong experience of managing audits and leading relationships with external auditors. Proven experience of overseeing payroll, ledgers, and financial controls. Extensive experience using Excel for financial modelling and analysis. Demonstrated ability to provide financial support and strategic insight to senior leaders and budget holders. High-performing track record in senior finance roles. Knowledge of financial regulations, risk mitigation, and audit processes. Proven ability to take ownership of financial outcomes, including resolving issues, leading improvements, and maintaining high standards of control and compliance. Desirable Advanced Excel skills Knowledge of Agresso Experience in the education, public or not-for-profit sectors. Experience of contributing to or maintaining a capital or risk register. Skills / Abilities Essential Strong strategic thinking and analytical skills. Ability to identify and manage financial risks. Excellent attention to detail and ability to produce accurate, timely reports. Proven ability to influence and communicate financial information clearly to non-finance colleagues and senior leadership. Strong leadership and team development skills. Ability to manage competing priorities and meet tight deadlines. High levels of professional integrity and ethical standards. Strong organisational and project management skills.Commitment to continuous improvement and innovation in finance practices. Desirable Ability to prepare costings and scenario models to support business planning. Experience of preparing and delivering impactful presentations. Experience of implementing process improvements or systems changes. Personal Attributes / Values Essential Demonstrates commitment to the College’s values and strategic objectives. Highly motivated, adaptable, and collaborative. Committed to delivering service excellence and supporting others to succeed. Demonstrates initiative, resilience, and a positive approach to change. Committed to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion. Total commitment to safeguarding students and staff. Desirable Holds a valid driving licence and access to a car or bike. Holds or is eligible for an Enhanced DBS check. Benefits ANNUAL LEAVE: Generous allowance of between 30-40 days role dependent BENEFIT SCHEME: Lifestyle savings, help & support for life’s ups and downs, GP helpline, financial wellbeing, six CBT counselling sessions, 24/7 helpline CYCLE TO WORK SCHEME: Get active and save money in the process CAR PARKING: Free onsite parking on all our campuses (parking permits required) RECOMMEND A FRIEND SCHEME: Earn up to £800 per recommendation ONSITE FACILITIES: Canteen, Coffee Shop, Salon AGILE WORKING: Flexible working options / contracts of employment PENSION SCHEME: Significant college contribution dependent on role STAFF DEVELOPMENT: Ongoing CPD, teacher training initiatives, management competency training (LEAP) STAFF DISCOUNTS: 10% off college salon services. Discounts at local restaurants, shops and facilities SPECIAL LEAVE: Adoption, maternity and paternity leave. HEALTH: Free eye test vouchers, staff health check, mental health first aiders, Occupational Sick Pay Our Commitment to Equality and Safeguarding We are proud to be a diverse and inclusive organisation. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and are committed to creating a safe and respectful working environment for everyone. SECG is committed to the safeguarding of young people and vulnerable adults.