Head of Finance

Heart of Yorkshire Education Group; Wakefield; On-site; GBP 59,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

An educational institution in Yorkshire is seeking a Head of Finance to lead and develop the finance team. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in financial leadership within a complex organization, preferably in education. This role offers an annual salary between £59,643 to £63,270 and includes generous benefits such as annual leave and professional development opportunities. Apply by 21st September 2025.

Benefits

Generous Annual Leave

Professional Development

Contributory Pension Scheme

Discounted Metro Card Scheme

Cycle to Work Scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Gym Membership Discounts

High Street Discounts

Annual Staff Recognition Awards

Qualifications

• Significant experience leading a finance team in a complex organisation.
• Ability to interpret complex financial data and provide actionable insights.
• Knowledge of VAT and Pensions.

Responsibilities

• Provide financial information and guidance to executives and budget holders.
• Liaise with Governors and external bodies.
• Line manage a finance team of 11.

Skills

Strong accounting skills

Analytical skills

Excellent communication

Leadership

Education

GCSE A*-C in English and Maths

A Level standard or equivalent

Fully qualified CCAB accountant

Relevant Degree or equivalent

Job description

Ref: 105188

Location: Wakefield College

Salary: £59,643 to £63,270 per annum

Hours: 37 hours per week

We have an exciting new opportunity for a Head of Finance to join us at the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group!

This role is perfectly suited to someone who is ready to lead, mentor and develop the Finance team, to foster a culture of continuous improvement and high performance.

You will be required to:

• Provide financial information, advice and guidance to Governors, the Executive Team, and all college budget holders.
• Be the lead officer providing financial advice and guidance into all Group business review process.
• Liaise with Governors, Executive Directors, Managers and staff across the Group, as well as Auditors and external funding bodies
• Line manage a team of 11, two of which will be direct reports
• Deputise for the Executive Director Finance & Resources as required
  
  

For more information, and a more detailed insight into what the role will entail, please see the attached Job Description and Person Specification.

You will:

• Hold GCSE A*- C/9 - 4 in English and Maths or equivalent
• Be educated to A Level standard or equivalent
• Be a fully qualified CCAB accountant or equivalent - Desirable
• Hold a relevant Degree or equivalent - Desirable
• Have strong, technical accounting and analytical skills, including knowledge of VAT and Pensions
• Have significant experience of leading a finance team for a complex organisation, ideally in education or public sector
• Have the ability to interpret complex financial data and provide clear, actionable insight
• Be an excellent communicator
  
  

This is a diverse role where you will be building relationships with curriculum and support staff, and many other stakeholders.

Does this sound like you? Think you’d be a perfect fit? Apply now!

We’d love to hear from you!

About Us

The Heart of Yorkshire Education Group serves the education and skills needs of the Yorkshire region from its campuses in Castleford, Wakefield and Selby. The Group offers an expansive range of post-16 provision, apprenticeships, higher education, adult qualifications and distance learning.

Values

Here at the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group, our Values are at the heart of everything we do. Watch our Principal and CEO, Sam Wright, and Group Chair of Governors, Andrew McConnell, explain how we carry out our values every day - Click to watch

See what we have to offer and come and join us. You won’t be disappointed.

Benefits include:

• Generous Annual Leave (37 days + bank holidays + 5 College closure days)
• Personal and Professional Development opportunities
• Generous Contributory Pension Scheme
• Discounted Metro Card Scheme
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Access to employee assistance programme
• Reduced price personal gym membership
• Access to a wide range of high street discounts (retail, supermarkets and restaurants)
• Annual Staff Recognition Awards
  
  

Find out more here.

Closing date: 21st September 2025

Interview date: 3rd October 2025

The Heart of Yorkshire Education Group is committed to safeguarding the welfare of all students and this post will be subject to Enhanced Disclosure from the DBS. Our recruitment process follows Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance.

If you are currently living overseas or have lived / worked overseas in the last five years please be aware that you will be required to provide an overseas criminal record check from the country/countries you have worked/resided in if you are the preferred candidate for the post. Further details of how to obtain the additional check is here: Criminal records checks for overseas applicants - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

We aim to develop a workforce that reflects the diverse community we serve and positively encourage applications from all.