HEAD OF FINANCE

Northern School of Contemporary Dance; Leeds; On-site; GBP 55,000; Part time

Job summary

A student-focused higher-education institution in Leeds seeks a strategic Head of Finance to provide financial leadership. The candidate will oversee budgeting, financial operations, and compliance while leading the Finance team. Essential qualifications include being a fully qualified accountant with experience in financial leadership within regulated sectors. This role offers a collaborative working environment, flexible arrangements, and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

Generous holiday entitlement

Pension scheme

Professional development opportunities

Flexible working arrangements

Qualifications

• Proven experience in senior-level financial leadership, preferably in higher education.
• Strong knowledge of financial planning and risk management.
• Ability to influence and engage stakeholders at multiple levels.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of the institution’s financial strategy.
• Manage financial operations, ensuring compliance with regulations.
• Oversee budgeting and long-term financial planning.

Skills

Financial leadership

Budgeting

Communication skills

Team leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)

Job description

Head of Finance

Location: Leeds (hybrid options available) | Contract: Part‑time, permanent | Salary: £32,969 (£54,949 pro‑rate) | Closing date: 5pm Monday 15 December

About the University

Northern School of Contemporary Dance is a small, student‑focused higher‑education institution based in Leeds, dedicated to delivering a high‑quality learning experience and strong community engagement. With a close‑knit campus, ambitious growth plans, and a commitment to academic excellence, we are seeking a strategic and collaborative Head of Finance to join and support our senior leadership team.

The Role

Reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer, the Head of Finance will provide strategic financial leadership across the institution. This is a pivotal role, shaping long‑term financial sustainability and ensuring robust financial management during a period of development and change.

You will lead the Finance team and be responsible for budgeting, financial planning, regulatory reporting, and ensuring that financial decision‑making supports the institution’s academic and operational goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of the institution’s financial strategy.
• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and long‑term financial planning.
• Manage financial operations including payroll, accounts payable/receivable, procurement, and reporting.
• Provide high‑quality financial advice to senior leadership, governors, and institution departments.
• Ensure compliance with statutory and regulatory obligations (including OfS, HMRC, audit requirements).
• Oversee preparation of annual financial statements and coordinate external audits.
• Lead and develop the Finance team, fostering a culture of service, accuracy, and continuous improvement.
• Support commercial activities, partnerships, and departmental financial performance.
• Drive improvements to financial systems, processes, and internal controls and audit.

About You

You will be an experienced finance professional with the strategic insight and hands‑on capability needed in a small, agile environment.

Essential criteria

• Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
• Evidence of senior‑level financial leadership, ideally within higher education or a comparable regulated sector.
• Strong understanding of financial planning, budgeting, and risk management.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills, with the ability to engage stakeholders at all levels.
• Experience of leading teams and driving organisational improvements.

Desirable

• Previous experience in the higher‑education sector, including regulatory reporting requirements.
• Experience supporting capital projects, estates planning, or commercial ventures.

What We Offer

• A collaborative and supportive working environment.
• Opportunity to shape the financial direction of a growing institution.
• Flexible working arrangements.
• Generous holiday entitlement and pension scheme.
• Professional development opportunities.

How to Apply

Please complete the NSCD application form. Unaccompanied CVs will not be considered.