Director of Finance

Join Colchester Institute - Where Your Career Makes a Difference

At Colchester Institute, we believe in the power of education to transform lives and communities. As one of the region's leading providers of education and training, we are proud to offer a dynamic, supportive and forward-thinking working environment where staff can thrive and make meaningful change.

Our values:
Inclusive, Collaborative, Respectful, Ambitious, Honest, and Safe are more than words; they define who we are and guide every decision we make. As we continue to grow in scale, reach, and reputation, we are proud to be expanding our Senior Leadership Team.

As a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, you will lead the College's financial strategy, ensuring long-term sustainability, strong governance and full regulatory compliance. You will play a critical role in enabling delivery of the College's strategic ambitions through effective financial planning, insight and control.

Acting as a trusted advisor to the Executive team, you will drive financial innovation, scenario modelling and long-term planning to strengthen financial performance and resilience. You will be responsible for high-quality financial management, including timely and accurate reporting, forecasting and statutory returns to internal and external stakeholders.

You will lead financial planning and investment, payroll, procurement and value for money activity, supported by robust internal controls and compliance. You will also provide clear, insightful financial updates to the Finance and Resources Committee and Leadership Teams, and lead initiatives that improve business and financial effectiveness.

This is an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact as part of a values led Senior Leadership Team committed to excellence, sustainability and continuous improvement.

• Lead the development, implementation, and continuous review of the College's financial strategy to support strategic objectives.
• Advise Governors and the Senior Leadership Team on financial strategy, risk, investment, and resource allocation.
• Drive financial innovation, scenario planning, and long-term forecasting.
• Champion financial sustainability, compliance, and alignment with sector benchmarks and regulatory requirements.
• Ensure financial planning and reporting support high-quality provision and positive learner outcomes, aligned with Ofsted expectations.
• Prepare monthly financial management reports, key indicators, and in-year course costings for strategic decision-making.
• Produce statutory accounts on time and in compliance with current accounting standards.
• Ensure reconciliation between finance and student data systems, working closely with Funding and Information Systems teams.
• Complete mandatory financial and statistical returns, including DfE, HMRC, National Statistics, and other regulatory bodies.
• Develop the corporate budget and three-year financial plan, alongside in-year forecasts, in collaboration with the Executive team.
• Monitor College-wide expenditure, recommend efficiencies, and oversee budget management for College and departmental budgets.
• Lead and develop the finance team, including the Management Accounting Team, supporting budget holders with devolved budgets and monthly spend.
• Promote continuous improvement, profile, and impact of the finance department across the College.
• Oversee development and optimisation of finance, payroll, and procurement systems for streamlined access, automation, and reporting.
• Participate fully as a Senior Leadership Team member, attending Executive and Board committees and working groups.

• Experience of line managing and developing teams, including the effective use of HR policies to address performance and conduct.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders and partners.
• Clear commitment to inclusion, safeguarding and creating a safe, high quality learning environment.

All applications must be completed before Sunday 8th February 2026 when the advert closes.

Following the review of applications, shortlisted candidates will be invited to a video screening, with face-to-face interviews scheduled for Tuesday 24th and Friday 27th February 2026.

Colchester Institute is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunities employer. All successful applicants will be required to complete an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Please note:

We do not work with recruitment or search agencies unless formally contracted in line with our PSL.