Assistant Principal Finance & Estates

Aspen People; Scotland; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Aspen People is seeking an Assistant Principal – Finance & Estates for NESCol, a major vocational education provider in Scotland. This leadership role involves overseeing financial functions and strategic growth while fostering collaboration across departments. The ideal candidate will have a robust financial background, a degree qualification, and proven leadership skills in complex organizations.

Qualifications

• Proven strategic leadership within a finance function in a complex organisation.
• Deep understanding of financial standards, audit procedures, and compliance.
• Experience in estates management and project delivery.

Responsibilities

• Shape future of the College by overseeing Finance and Estates functions.
• Ensure the College’s financial sustainability and operational efficiency.
• Collaborate across departments to support strategic growth.

Skills

Leadership

Financial Management

Operational Excellence

Communication

Change Management

Education

Degree-level qualification

Fully qualified accountant

Job description

Aspen People is working in partnership with NESCol to appoint a new Assistant Principal – Finance & Estates

About us

NESCol is one of the largest providers of vocational education and training in Scotland, committed to being at the heart of positive change across the communities it serves. The curriculum is diverse and evolving. NESCol works closely with industry partners to ensure the skills required in the jobs market are reflected in their courses.

About the role

A high-impact leadership role where you will shape the future of the College by overseeing our Finance, Estates, Health & Safety, Environmental Sustainability, and Procurement functions. Reporting to the Vice Principal – Finance & Resources, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the College’s financial sustainability, operational efficiency, and strategic growth.

As a member of the College Strategic Leadership Team, you will help develop and deliver our strategic vision and plan. Working collaboratively across departments to support financial sustainability, an outstanding student experience and foster a culture of continuous improvement.

About you

We are seeking a proactive, experienced leader with a strong financial background and a passion for operational excellence. You will hold a degree-level qualification, a fully qualified accountant and a current member of a recognised CCAB body.

You will bring a proven track record of strategic leadership within a finance function in a complex organisation, along with a deep understanding of financial and accounting standards, audit procedures, and compliance requirements. Your experience will include leading successful change and improvement initiatives, as well as involvement in estates or facilities management, contract negotiation, and project delivery. You will be an excellent communicator and team leader, capable of inspiring others and working effectively across functions.

For more information please visithttps://www.aspenpeople.co.uk/nescol/

Application Process

For a confidential discussion, please contact Katharine Price, Donogh O’Brien, or Gillian Blackadder at Aspen People on 0141 212 7555.

Closing date:Monday 21^st July 2025

If successful you will be required to attend on the following days / locations:


Chemistry Interviews: Wednesday 13th August (virtual)

Interview Date: Thursday 21st August - in person (in person)