Head of Finance

We welcome applications for this support post to commence as soon as possible.

The Head of Finance plays a key role at the college. This role is an exciting opportunity to contribute to

an outstanding sixth form college.

We are looking for the successful candidate to build on the strengths of the team and improve financial systems and processes. As a Roman Catholic sixth form college, we are regulated by the Department for Education. We prepare monthly accounts in line with best practice and statutory accounts complying with the FE/HE SORP. The Senior Leadership Team relies on timely and reliable financial reporting. The Governing Body expects high standards of financial management, compliance and value-for-money.

The Finance Team consists of a College Accountant, Finance Analyst, Management Accountant, Finance

Officer, and two Finance Assistants. It supports staff, budget holders and students. The Head of Finance

will oversee financial planning, compliance, and system improvements as well as working closely with

senior leaders and external stakeholders.

The main duties and responsibilities of this role include:

• Provide effective management and leadership for the Finance Team.
• Manage the functions of the Finance Team including accounts payable, accounts receivable, banking, online payments, general ledger, cash holdings and control accounts.
• Maintain relationships with external stakeholders including the College’s bank.
• Take responsibility for the administration of the College’s use of finance system.
• Implement improvements in the College’s use of the finance system.

For the full job description please see attached ‘Job Pack’.

The Successful Candidate

Cardinal Newman College is a wonderful place to work, and this is an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic and experienced candidate to join our friendly and well established Finance Department.  

The Finance department is looking for someone who is a Qualified accountant (ICAEW/CIPFA/ACCA or equivalent), has a minimum of 3 years experience of managing financial operations and is able to lead, support and work as part of a high-performing team.

You should display the values, attitudes, and behaviours consistent with the Catholic Ethos of the College and have a commitment to equality/diversity and the safeguarding of young people and vulnerable adults.

Terms and Conditions

Hours: 37 hours per week, full year. Starting and finishing times as agreed. Part time requests will be considered.

Salary: The post will be paid on the Sixth Form Colleges’ Support Staff Pay Spine at points 43 to 46 - £62,704 to £66,906 per annum. For an outstanding candidate the college will consider a ‘golden hello’ recruitment payment.

Closing date for receipt of applications:  11.59pm on Monday 21st April 2025 (we reserve the right to close the advert in advance of this date).

Why work at Cardinal Newman College?

We are a happy and thriving Catholic Sixth Form College committed to equality and diversity, welcoming colleagues from all backgrounds into our community irrespective of their religion or belief, ethnicity, age, gender, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, marital or pregnancy status.

An outstanding college in every aspect, Cardinal Newman is one of the highest performing Sixth Form Colleges nationally for Value Added. We recognise the invaluable contribution our dedicated staff make to the success of our students and the College as whole. As such, our aim is to foster a culture where staff feel valued and supported.

We also offer a range of excellent staff benefits, including:  

• Generous Pension schemes for both teachers and support staff  
• Pro rata to 22 days holiday (increasing to 25 days after 5 years’ service) plus 4 concessionary days and bank holidays for support staff
• A genuine commitment to staff health and wellbeing
• Access to a salary sacrifice electric vehicle scheme
• Access to the Cycle to Work Scheme and Techscheme
• Free use of the on-site gym  
• Access to professional development and the opportunity to undertake professional qualifications through apprenticeships
• Flu Vouchers
• Staff savings scheme

More detailed information on further staff benefits can be found within our staff perks document attached.

Completed application forms should be submitted by 11.59pm on Monday 21st April 2025

We will confirm receipt of all applications by email within one working day of receipt.  Please call the HR team if you have not received a confirmation email by the closing date. We do ask that you accept, in the interests of economy, that if you have not heard from us by the middle of May that you have not been selected for interview on this occasion.

Further Information

Further details are available at http://www.cardinalnewman.ac.uk/ or by telephone to the college on or .

All offers of appointment are subject to Disclosure and Barring Service Clearance as well as a range of other safer recruitment checks