Head of Finance

Bath College; Matlock Bath CP; On-site; GBP 49,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Bath College is seeking a Finance professional to ensure high-quality service within the Finance Department. The role involves preparing monthly management accounts, developing financial systems, and supporting budget holders, all aimed at maintaining the College’s financial health. Ideal candidates will be CCAB qualified with significant experience in financial reporting and budget preparation.

Benefits

Generous paid holiday entitlement of 30 days

Selfie Day per year

Contributory salary pension scheme

Continuing Professional Development

Laptop Salary Sacrifice Scheme

Cycle to Work Scheme

Private Healthcare Scheme

£500 Refer a friend reward

Subsidised cafes at both campuses

Employee Assistance Programme

Eye sight test provisions

Progressive family friendly policies

Discounted treatments at the Academy

Free parking at Somer Valley Campus

Responsibilities

• Prepare monthly management accounts and budget holder reports within defined timescales.
• Report financial information to external stakeholders.
• Investigate variances and recommend appropriate action.
• Liaise with the Chief Operating Officer to generate the annual budget.
• Develop the finance system and processes to improve access to financial information.
• Monitor all income to the College and ensure it is reflected in the accounts.
• Review month end reconciliations and control accounts.
• Generate and maintain the College’s cash flow forecast.
• Support the COO in developing performance monitoring tools and KPIs.
• Ensure effective accounting and reporting arrangements for capital projects.
• Contribute to committee meetings for presentation of financial information.
• Monitor and report on the financial health of the College.

Skills

CCAB qualified

Financial strategies

Financial management reporting

Preparation of budgets

Job description

Application Deadline: 31 August 2025

Department: FIN - Finance

Location: Dual Campus

Compensation: £49,526 - £55,714 / year

Description

Permanent contract, 37 hours per week, 52 weeks per year

To ensure the Finance Department provides a high-quality service to students, staff, budget holders and other colleagues across the College though the provision of timely, accurate and relevant financial management information and the operation of robust financial controls in order to achieve best value for money and sustainable financial health.

Bath College is an inclusive education and training community, providing learning for people with a wide range of abilities from a far-reaching area, from entry level to Level 5 programmes. We are committed to meeting the needs of all our students. This is a very exciting time to join the College.

If you feel you can make a positive contribution, please complete the application form, making sure you detailing how your qualifications, skills and experience meet the requirements of the role.

The job posting can close as soon as sufficient applications have been received.



Key Responsibilities

• Prepare monthly management accounts and budget holder reports within defined timescales that provide accurate and accessible information to support budget holders and senior managers to fulfil their financial responsibilities, in accordance with the agreed timescales of publication.
• Reporting financial information to external stakeholders as required, in the prescribed format.
• Investigate variances and recommend appropriate action.
• Liaise with the Chief Operating Officer to generate the annual budget and three-year forecast.
• Develop the finance system and the surrounding processes to improve compliance with systems and enhance access to financial information by budget holders.
• Monitor all income to the College and ensure that it is all received as expected and correctly reflected in the accounts, and ensure effective accounts receivable procedures are in operation.
• Review month end reconciliations and control accounts prepared by members of the Finance Department and work through adjustments as required.
• Generate and maintain the College’s cash flow forecast to ensure there are sufficient funds to pay liabilities as they fall due and that bank covenants are complied with.
• Support the COO in developing performance monitoring tools and relevant KPIs.
• Ensure effective accounting and reporting arrangements are in place to support all capital projects.
• Contribute to the relevant committee meetings internally for presentation of financial information.
• Monitor, report and improve the financial health of the College.
  
  

Please see attached for the full Job Description

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• CCAB qualified, or part qualified with significant relevant experience.
• An up-to-date knowledge and understanding of financial strategies, systems and procedures.
• Experience of development of financial management reporting to provide meaningful information for monitoring and decision making.
• Experience of preparation of budgets, forecasts, and statutory financial statements for year end audit.
  

Please see attached for the full Person Specification

Staff Benefits

• Generous paid holiday entitlement of 30 days, exclusive of College closure days and public holidays. Pro rata for part time roles.
• One Selfie Day per year
• Contributory salary pension scheme (Local Government)
• Continuing Professional Development for all staff
• Laptop Salary Sacrifice Scheme
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Private Healthcare Scheme
• £500 Refer a friend and earn a reward
• Subsidised cafes - at both campuses
• Employee Assistance Programme – Staff have access to this programme. It is a free and strictly confidential short-term counselling and support service (up to six meetings after an initial assessment session with a qualified counselor)
• The College offers an eye sight test for anyone who meets the criteria as described within the Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations.
• Progressive family friendly policies (exceeding statutory requirements) that supports a health work/life balance, all staff are entitled to request flexible working.
• Discounted treatments at the Academy, Bath Campus
• Free parking at the Somer Valley Campus in Radstock