Position Title: Finance Director - Executive

Location: Manchester

Salary: Competitive

About the Role:

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Finance and Operations Lead to oversee our clients financial, operational, and infrastructure, ensuring it aligns with the needs of staff and participants. This is a key leadership role that involves working closely with the other members of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) and stakeholders to execute strategic objectives, manage risks, and drive the organisation's digital and financial transformation. You will also ensure the effective delivery of resources and services, whilst measuring the organisation's impact and using insights to improve offerings.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage the financial, operational, and technological infrastructure to meet the needs of both staff and participants.
• Collaborate with the SLT and key stakeholders to implement the organisation's strategic goals.
• Oversee the performance and development of teams within Finance and operational departments.
• Provide regular financial insights and reporting to support decision-making by the Board and SLT.
• Lead on risk management, working with auditors and managing both financial and operational risks.
• Manage financial planning, including budgeting, cash flow, and long-term financial forecasting.
• Drive the organisation's digital and financial transformation strategy, ensuring smooth delivery of IT and premises.
• Accurately measure and track the organisation's impact, using data to continuously improve offerings.

The Ideal Candidate:

• Proven experience in financial management, preferably within the education or skills development sector.
• Demonstrated experience working with senior leadership teams, boards, and external stakeholders.
• Strong expertise in financial systems, data management, GDPR compliance, and organisational service delivery.
• A natural leader with a track record of managing and developing high-performing teams.
• A commitment to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion within the workplace.
• Proactive and solutions-focused, with the ability to resolve operational challenges and drive continuous improvement.
• Relevant accountancy qualification (eg, ACA, ACCA, CIPFA, CIMA).
• Familiarity with the funding, regulatory, and legislative environment in education or related sectors.
• Experience in leading or supporting digital and financial transformation initiatives.