Head of Finance – Part-Time (Pro-Rata c. 60,000 – £70,000 FTE)
Reports to: Senior Leadership Team
Reed Finance are seeking a professionally qualified and experienced finance leader to take ownership of a finance function within a regulated and fast-moving environment. This position suits someone who is confident balancing strategic oversight with hands-on operational work, providing financial clarity, control and trusted guidance to senior stakeholders.
You will ensure the organisation operates with strong governance, robust financial processes and accurate, timely reporting. The role carries responsibility for compliance with relevant financial regulations, including those required within an ESFA-funded setting.
Key Responsibilities
Finance Leadership & Governance
Lead and manage the finance function, ensuring compliance with all applicable financial and ESFA requirements.
Provide informed financial insight at Director, Shareholder and Senior Management level.
Maintain effective relationships with auditors, banks, tax consultants, business partners and HMRC.
Oversee VAT matters and manage all tax-related enquiries and statutory obligations.
Financial Reporting & Analysis
Produce monthly management accounts and comprehensive reporting packs.
Deliver detailed cash-flow forecasting, variance analysis and regular financial commentary.
Prepare quarterly VAT returns, including partial exemption compliance.
Produce year-end audit packs and work closely with external auditors.
Budgeting & Forecasting
Develop and maintain budgets across the organisation, including scenario-based "what-if" models.
Build payroll budgets aligned with operational requirements, including sensitivity and scenario planning.
Monitor, reconcile and report on funding streams, ensuring accuracy and early identification of risks.
Operational Finance Oversight
Oversee payment runs and authorise payments.
Ensure effective management of purchase ledger and sales ledger processes.
Oversee financial support activities related to learners, including bursary reconciliations.
Lead on ad-hoc commercial and financial tasks such as insurance reviews and lease negotiations.
About You
You will be an experienced finance professional with strong technical expertise and the confidence to operate independently while partnering with colleagues across the organisation.
Essential
Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
Proven experience in a senior finance role, ideally within regulated environments, education, not-for-profit or similar sectors.
Strong understanding of management accounts, forecasting, cash-flow management and VAT (including partial exemption).
Ability to communicate complex financial detail clearly and effectively.
Comfortable managing both strategic and operational finance responsibilities.
Salary & Working Pattern
c. £60,000 – £70,000 per annum (pro-rata, dependent on experience).
Part-time hours two days per week – office based.
What This Role Offers
An opportunity to shape and lead a finance function with genuine autonomy, ensuring financial resilience, clear governance and meaningful impact across the organisation’s work.
If you are seeking a professional part time position with a growing forward thinking and highly successful business, this could be the one for you.