Birmingham
A well-established college in Birmingham is seeking an experienced and strategic Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to join the senior leadership team on a temporary basis. This is an excellent opportunity for a highly skilled finance professional to provide leadership, stability, and strategic direction during a period of transition and development. Reporting directly to the CEO, the successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing all financial operations, ensuring robust financial management, regulatory compliance, and the long-term financial sustainability of the college. Key Responsibilities • Provide strategic financial leadership and advice to the Principal, Executive Team, and Governing Board., • Lead the college's financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and reporting processes., • Ensure compliance with all statutory, regulatory, funding, and audit requirements., • Oversee cash flow management, treasury activities, and financial risk management., • Deliver accurate and timely management accounts and financial performance reports., • Support the development and implementation of the college's strategic objectives., • Lead and develop the finance function, ensuring high standards of financial control and governance., • Manage relationships with external auditors, funding bodies, banks, and key stakeholders., • Identify opportunities for efficiencies, cost savings, and income generation., • Support capital projects, funding applications, and business cases where required. Person SpecificationEssential:, • Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA, or equivalent)., • Significant senior-level financial leadership experience, ideally as a CFO, Finance Director, or Deputy CFO., • Experience within the education, public sector, charity, or not-for-profit environment., • Strong understanding of financial governance, compliance, and risk management., • Proven ability to influence and advise senior stakeholders and boards., • Excellent leadership, communication, and analytical skills., • Experience managing complex budgets and financial planning processes.Desirable:, • Previous experience within further education, higher education, or the wider education sector., • Knowledge of funding frameworks relevant to colleges., • Experience of leading organisational change or transformation programmes.