Finance Director

About the role

We are recruiting a Finance Director for a well‑established, values‑driven education provider in Plymouth. The role leads the finance function and supports organisational strategy through robust financial management, insightful reporting and strong governance.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and develop the finance team, ensuring high‑quality monthly management accounts, forecasts and financial reports.
• Manage the annual budgeting and financial planning processes.
• Oversee statutory accounts preparation and ensure compliance with accounting standards and regulatory requirements.
• Act as primary contact for external auditors and key financial stakeholders.
• Handle cash‑flow forecasting, balance‑sheet reviews and financial reconciliations.
• Provide financial insight and challenge to support business planning, investment decisions and strategic initiatives.
• Support development of business cases, financial modelling and cost analysis.
• Maintain robust financial controls, governance and risk‑management processes.
• Lead continuous‑improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency, reporting capability and service delivery.
• Act as deputy to the Chief Finance Officer when required.

Required profile

• Full CCAB accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA or equivalent).
• Significant experience in a senior finance leadership role.
• Strong background in financial accounting, management reporting, budgeting and forecasting.
• Experience in public‑sector environments, preferably education (desirable but not essential).

Required skills

• Financial accounting
• Management reporting
• Budgeting
• Forecasting
• Tax compliance
• Audit coordination
• Cash‑flow forecasting
• Financial modelling
• Cost analysis