Head Of Finance

Head of Finance - Wigan - Temp 3 months - £19-21p/h DOE

Our client, a well-established and reputable education provider, is seeking an experienced and strategic Head of Finance to support the effective management, operation and development of its Finance Department.

Reporting to the Director of Finance, this is a key leadership position responsible for delivering accurate financial reporting, ensuring statutory and funding compliance, and driving strong financial controls across the organisation. The successful candidate will also deputise for the Director of Finance when required and lead the day-to-day management of the finance team.

• Prepare accurate and timely monthly management accounts for senior leadership and governors.
• Ensure the integrity of financial records in line with current legislation and funding body requirements.
• Manage balance sheet reconciliations, nominal ledger control and the fixed asset register.
• Support and train budget holders in understanding and managing their financial reports.
• Maintain rolling cash flow forecasts and clear financial suspense accounts.

• Lead preparation of the annual budget and flexed budget aligned with organisational strategy.
• Produce rolling forecasts and the annual financial plan for submission to the relevant funding body.
• Support managers to ensure effective financial control and compliance.

• Manage the year-end timetable and production of annual statutory accounts.
• Prepare required financial returns and ensure submission within deadlines.
• Liaise with internal and external auditors, maintaining strong systems and clean audit outcomes.

• Oversee Purchase Ledger, Sales Ledger, Nominal Ledger and Fixed Assets.
• Manage VAT matters and liaise with HMRC and pension schemes, including monthly and annual returns.
• Oversee bursary allocation systems and associated payments.
• Act as bank signatory for payment runs including BACS.
• Manage payroll journals, reconciliations and pension submissions.
• Monitor grants, loan accounts and debt recovery processes.
• Contribute to the review and development of financial policies and procedures.

• Line manage and develop members of the finance team.
• Provide ongoing guidance, support and performance management.

• Has significant experience in financial management and reporting, ideally within the education or public sector.
• AAT/CIMA qualified.
• Demonstrates strong technical knowledge of management accounts, statutory reporting, VAT and compliance.
• Has experience leading and developing a small finance team.
• Is confident supporting senior leaders and non-financial managers.
• Can operate both strategically and hands‑on in a busy environment.

• Full‑time, full‑year contract (36¼ hours per week).
• Competitive salary dependent on experience.
• Generous pension scheme.
• A key leadership role within a stable and well‑regarded organisation.

Mon-Fri 8-4.30pm

For more information regarding the vacancy, please call Adele on (phone number removed) or forward your CV for consideration.

Please note that due to the high volume of applications we receive, only those successfully shortlisted for the role will be personally contacted.