Finance Team Leader: Drive Change in Education Finance

Nelson and Colne College; Accrington; On-site; GBP 39,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension

Sick pay scheme

Health & wellbeing benefits

Staff recognition

On-site parking

Job summary

Nelson and Colne College is seeking a Finance Team Leader to supervise the day-to-day work of the Finance team, drive process improvements, and ensure accurate financial reporting across multiple sites. The role is based mainly in Accrington with potential cross-site responsibilities.

The successful candidate will lead financial controls, support budget holders, and enhance finance technology usage while upholding the college’s standards for safeguarding and compliance.

Qualifications

• Five GCSEs minimum including Maths and English at grade C/4 or above.
• AAT qualification or equivalent (HNC or CIPFA status).
• At least three years developing and monitoring administrative or financial management systems.
• Experience supervising and motivating others.
• Experience with computerised accounting systems and strong controls.
• Strong Excel skills and data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Supervise the Finance team's workload and set priorities.
• Coordinate banking, journals, Direct Debits, payment runs and month-end closure across three companies.
• Authorize journals and requisitions with proper coding and evidence.
• Support budget holders with management accounts and training.
• Prepare quarterly VAT returns and reconcile VAT accounts.
• Develop meaningful financial reports and improve systems and efficiency.

Skills

Financial administration

Leadership

Excel

Data analysis

Budgeting

Communication

Organisational skills

Education

GCSEs including Maths and English

AAT qualification

HNC

CIPFA status

Job description

Nelson and Colne College is seeking a Finance Team Leader to supervise the day-to-day work of the Finance team, drive process improvements, and ensure accurate financial reporting across multiple sites. The role is based mainly in Accrington with potential cross-site responsibilities.

The successful candidate will lead financial controls, support budget holders, and enhance finance technology usage while upholding the college’s standards for safeguarding and compliance.