Financial Director

Are you a strategic finance leader who thrives in a fast-paced, purpose-driven environment?

Inspire Education Group is seeking an experienced and commercially minded finance professional to join Inspire Education Group as our next Group Director of Finance.

This is a key senior leadership role within the Group, offering the opportunity to influence strategic decision-making while leading and developing a high-performing finance function across the Inspire Education Group including Peterborough College and Stamford College and the University Centre Peterborough. Working closely with the Chief Financial Officer, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring our financial strategy supports the Group’s ambitious plans and continued success.

This role would suit someone who can operate strategically at Executive and Board level but also remaining hands-on and operational when needed.

We offer the opportunity for hybrid working following successful completion of probation, supporting flexibility and work-life balance where business needs allow.

What you’ll be doing

As Group Director of Finance, you will:

• Lead the overall financial management of the Group
• Support the development and delivery of the Group’s financial strategy and three-year financial plans
• Produce insightful financial reports, forecasts and management information for Executive and Board audiences
• Lead on treasury management, cash flow forecasting and financial controls
• Oversee statutory accounts preparation, internal and external audit activity, and the preparation and submission of returns to statutory bodies such as HMRC, DofE and OfS etc.
• Have senior responsibility for the payroll and procurement department as well as value for money initiatives
• Develop and maintain effective financial policies, systems and procedures
• Lead, develop and support the Finance Team to deliver an outstanding service across the Group
• Work collaboratively with leaders across the organisation to support strategic and operational decision-making
• Deputise for the Chief Financial Officer when required

About You

We are looking for someone who brings:

• A recognised professional finance qualification
• Significant senior finance leadership experience
• Strong strategic planning and financial management skills
• Experience producing complex financial reports and managing multi-year budgets
• The confidence to influence and communicate effectively with senior stakeholders
• A collaborative and solutions-focused approach
• The ability to lead through change and continuously improve services

Experience within education or the public sector would be advantageous, but we also welcome applications from candidates with transferable senior finance leadership experience from adjacent sectors.

Why work for IEG?

• Generous Leave: Up to 35 days of annual leave, plus Bank Holidays and Christmas close down. (Pro-rata for part time staff)
• Competitive Pension: Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), including life assurance and death-in-service benefits
• Health and Wellbeing: Benefit from a gym, free on-site parking, access to employee assistance programme and a friendly team atmosphere
• Professional Development: Ongoing training and development opportunities, including sponsorship for HE/professional qualifications
• Employee Benefits and Rewards: Employee benefits, including lifestyle savings and eligibility to apply for a Blue Light Card, providing access to a wide range of national discounts