Deputy Chief Finance Officer

Position Start Date: 18/08/2026 Contract Type: Full-time Contract Term: Permanent

Application Close: 16/07/2026 Midnight Date of Interviews: TBC

Salary: £87,223
Reference No: SR2229
Campus: Cross Campus
Hours: 37 hrs / week | 52 weeks / year
Contract: Permanent

Job Details

USP College is seeking an experienced and strategic Deputy Chief Financial Officer (Deputy CFO) to join our Senior Management Team. Reporting directly to the CFO, you will play a pivotal role in driving the College's financial strategy, ensuring robust financial management, and providing expert guidance to both finance and non-finance stakeholders.

This is an exciting opportunity for a qualified finance leader to oversee Finance and Payroll operations, lead budgeting and forecasting, support major projects, drive process improvements, and help shape the College's long-term financial sustainability.

Please note - the interview process will involve an Assessment Centre Day, the date of which is TBC.

The Role:

• Support the CFO in delivering the College's financial strategy and maintaining financial health.
• Lead the Finance & Payroll Team, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.
• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, procurement, payroll, and resource management.
• Provide insightful financial analysis and decision-making support to senior leaders and budget holders.
• Lead on risk management, insurance, financial compliance, and internal controls.
• Drive finance system enhancements and AI-enabled process improvements.
• Build strong relationships with governors, auditors, banks, and external stakeholders.
• Deliver training and guidance to managers on financial planning and performance.

About You:

You will be a strategic and commercially minded finance professional with:

• Strong leadership and stakeholder management skills.
• Expertise in budgeting, forecasting, financial analysis, and compliance.
• The ability to communicate complex financial information to diverse audiences.
• A proactive approach to improving systems, processes, and service delivery.
• A full driving licence and access to your own transport.

The right candidate will have:

• Educated to degree level and ACA/ICAEW/ICAS.
• Knowledge of funding in the FE Sector.
• Comprehensive knowledge of key financial regulations.
• Proficiency in financial & payroll systems and software.
• A solid understanding of financial concepts, accounting principles and budgeting processes.
• Excellent inter-personal and communication skills.
• Demonstrable leadership skills.
• Experience gained from FE, ideally from a grade 2 college.
• Experience of change management, restructures, mergers and acquisition.

What we offer:

• A dedicated and friendly team of professionals who are keen to develop and learn.
• Annual Staff Awards.
• CPD days - opportunities to grow and development through mentorship and coaching.
• Free onsite parking.
• Staff appreciation days.
• Onsite Starbucks & Restaurant.
• Electric Vehicle Scheme.
• Discounted gym membership.
• Hybrid Working available.
• Fully immersive teaching rooms allow simultaneous online teaching at multiple locations.
• Free Employee Assistance Programme available 24/7, 365 days offering legal & financial advice, as well as general support & guidance.

* subject to terms & conditions

All appointments are subject to safer recruitment requirements to ensure the safeguarding of children and young people. All positions will involve appropriate checks and clearances.