Head of Finance (Interim or Permanent) required for an Education business in Maidstone, Kent. They are one of the UK’s leading adult education providers, with 250 employees across England and 20 years of history

On offer is a salary of £90k FTE plus bonus of up to £30k (or equivalent day rate)

This is a full time position but remote working is included. Mostly remote is fine - Kent-based preferable, and ability to travel to Kent (Maidstone) every fortnight for management meetings required.

Purpose of Role

An important member of the senior team, the Head of Finance is responsible for ensuring resources are used beneficially, overseeing the smooth running of the Finance department’s processes, and providing visibility and insight into the company’s revenues and costs – as well as identifying opportunities for their improvement.

The role is also responsible for managing risk across the organization and is an important part of our change management process, working with stakeholders to ensure the financial impact of proposed changes is duly considered.

As a member of the Leadership Team the Head of Finance will work closely with the Chief Executive Officer and other senior managers to safeguard the financial stability of the business, approve or reject budgets, and work with external stakeholders to maximize benefit from available funding options.

• Manage the Finance department, overseeing activity within that team and ensuring the smooth running of key existing activities such as payroll and pensions processing
• Oversee all accounting activities and internal audits, ensuring they comply with financial regulations, and manage external auditors
• Manage cash flows, approve payments, and manage the company’s corporation tax and VAT
• Work with the CEO and COO to allocate resources, and ensure a strong financial rationale exists for proposed changes
• Manage internal financial reporting and provide up to date and accurate visibility and analysis of revenue, costs, and profits identifying areas of opportunity.
• Maintain and iterate the company’s financial model and financial statements
• Manage risk within the organization and work with other stakeholders to secure ISO27001 compliance
• As a member of the SMT (Senior Management Team), contribute to the leadership and strategic development
• Demonstrate values of teamwork, customer service and commerciality and to deliver on the mission of transforming lives by improving skills, preparing for jobs and building careers.

• Proven experience as a Head of Finance, Director of Finance, or similar role
• In-depth understanding of cash flow management, bank reconciliation and bookkeeping
• Ability to offer commercially sound decisions aligned to the needs of the organisation with a clear analytical approach, risk assessment and evaluation
• Hands-on experience with budgeting and risk management
• Proficiency in accounting software (preferably Sage) and Excel

Interpersonal Skills

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Good general IT skills
• Can liaise professionally with a wide range of colleagues and external agencies

Personal Qualities

• Excellent leadership, organisational and time management skills
• Ambitious, results driven approach
• Commitment to quality and excellent customer service
• A passion to support our learners to progress
• Ability to work confidentially at all times
• Creative/innovative approach to work