Head of Finance

Michael Page; Galashiels; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Michael Page Recruitment and our client in the Scottish Borders seek a Head of Finance to lead the finance and procurement functions, driving strategic financial leadership and robust reporting. The role sits with the Executive Team, providing commercial insight and governance across the college’s finances.

The successful candidate will oversee statutory accounts, budgets, forecasts and management accounts, and will deputise for the VP - Finance & Corporate Services when required.

Qualifications

• Experience leading a finance team and delivering strategic financial insight.
• Ability to partner with senior stakeholders and executives.
• Experience in budgeting, forecasting and financial reporting.
• Strong knowledge of governance, controls and compliance.
• Experience with external audits and statutory accounts.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a high-performing Finance team.
• Provide commercial financial insight to support decisions.
• Oversee statutory accounts, budgets, forecasts and management accounts.
• Drive budgeting and financial planning processes annually.
• Ensure robust controls and regulatory compliance.
• Engage with external auditors and funding bodies.
• Lead procurement and financial systems improvements.

Skills

Strategic financial leadership

Stakeholder management

Financial reporting

Budgeting & forecasting

Procurement management

Job description

Michael Page Recruitment is delighted to partner with our client to recruit a Head of Finance, managing the Finance and Procurement functions, including management and financial reporting and provision of support to the Executive Team via the Vice Principal - Finance and Corporate Services.

Client Details

Our client is a market leading Education Institution in the Scottish Borders at Galashiels.

Description

The successful candidate will likely have the following responsibilities:

• Lead and develop a high-performing Finance team, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability and continuous improvement.
• Act as a trusted business partner to senior stakeholders, providing commercial and strategic financial insight to support decision-making.
• Support the delivery of the College's financial strategy and contribute to wider organisational planning and leadership initiatives.
• Oversee the preparation of statutory accounts, budgets, forecasts, management accounts and external returns, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
• Lead the annual budgeting and financial planning process, monitoring performance and identifying risks and opportunities.
• Ensure robust financial controls, governance frameworks and regulatory compliance are maintained across the organisation.
• Manage relationships with external auditors, funding bodies and key stakeholders, acting as the primary finance contact when required.
• Drive the effective management of procurement, financial systems and reporting tools to enhance efficiency and value for money.
• Provide financial leadership on major projects, capital investments and commercial initiatives, supporting sustainable growth and income generation.
• Develop strong relationships across the College, delivering financial guidance, training and support to budget holders and senior leaders.
• Deputise for the Vice Principal - Finance & Corporate Services on financial matters as required.
• Represent the College externally, building networks and identifying opportunities to support organisational objectives.

Profile

A successful 'Head Of Finance' should have:

• Strong experience in senior Accounting & Finance work.
• The ability to lead financial planning and performance reporting.
• Experience producing clear financial information for decision-making.
• Sound judgement when reviewing financial data and identifying priorities.
• The ability to explain financial information clearly to a range of colleagues.
• Experience improving financial processes and maintaining accurate records.

Job Offer

This role offers a salary of 61,575 plus fantatsic wider benefits.