Head of Finance

THE NORTHERN SCHOOL OF CONTEMPORARY DANCE; Leeds; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading dance training institution in the UK seeks a Head of Finance to manage financial functions and provide strategic advice to the Senior Leadership Team. This position demands expertise in financial management within the higher education sector, ensuring regulatory compliance and financial accuracy. The successful candidate will lead a finance team, oversee budgeting and forecasting, and maintain strong governance practices while supporting capital projects and audits. Join a dynamic environment focused on excellence in dance education.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in financial management and leadership roles.
• Deep understanding of regulatory compliance in higher education.
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Manage all aspects of financial and management accounting functions.
• Provide strategic financial advice to the Senior Leadership Team.
• Ensure accuracy and control over financial systems and reporting.

Skills

Financial management expertise

Leadership abilities

Regulatory compliance knowledge

Excellent communication skills

Education

Relevant degree in Finance or Accounting

Tools

Financial management software

Job description

Northern School of Contemporary Dance (NSCD) is one of the leading dance training institutions in the UK. As a Higher Education Institution, we offer full-time undergraduate and postgraduate courses for around 250 students. NSCD is an ambitious, small specialist institution, internationally recognised as a centre of excellence for dance education and with a growing reputation as a centre for dance development.

The Head of Finance will support the Senior Leadership Team in managing the financial matters for Northern School of Contemporary Dance (NSCD). They will have overall responsibility for the School's finance functions; managing all aspects of financial and management accounting functions of the School, including the preparation of statutory accounts, liaison with external and internal audit teams, ensuring all statutory and regulatory financial and data returns are completed and delivered on a timely basis as required and liaising with other funding bodies as appropriate.

As Head of Finance you will be responsible for management of staff in their area of responsibility. The post holder will ensure effective performance management to deliver an efficient, well controlled finance service while being a collaborative team member, providing coaching, motivation and leadership to their team.

The Head of Finance will act as a prime source of information and advise the Senior Leadership team on all aspects of financial management, statutory and regulatory reporting, internal and external audit and regulatory compliance. They will also ensure the School meets the demands of openness and accountability in making both strategic and operational decisions and in delivering value for money. The post holder will ensure financial accuracy and control in a specialist conservatoire Higher Education environment. The Head of Finance will develop effective organisational arrangements and capacity that enables NSCD to meet its strategic aims within a framework of strong, effective governance.

You will have overall responsibility for leading and developing a fit-for-purpose finance function, ensuring robust financial systems, controls, and compliance. Accountable for financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management, and long-term financial sustainability, including reserves and treasury policies. Provides strategic financial advice to senior leadership, the COO, and governance committees, supporting audits, regulatory reporting, and use of public funds. Oversees payroll, pensions, tax compliance, and relationships with auditors and regulators, while supporting capital projects, contract negotiations, and value-for-money across the School.