Interim CFO – Strategic Education Finance Leader

We are seeking an experienced Interim Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to provide strategic and operational financial leadership within a Further Education environment. The successful candidate will work closely with the Executive Leadership Team and Board to ensure strong financial management, compliance, and long-term financial sustainability across the organisation.

Key responsibilities

• Leading the College’s financial strategy, planning, and budgeting processes
• Providing operational oversight of finance, audit, procurement, and funding
• Supporting curriculum and operational leaders with financial planning and efficiencies
• Ensuring compliance with ESFA, FE funding, and regulatory requirements
• Delivering accurate financial reporting, forecasting, and risk management
• Supporting organisational transformation, cost improvement, and strategic growth initiatives
• Acting as a key advisor to senior stakeholders, governors, and external partners

Ideal candidate qualifications

• Significant senior financial leadership experience within Further Education or the wider education/public sector
• Strong understanding of FE funding methodologies and financial regulations
• Proven experience operating at both strategic and operational level
• Experience leading financial change, restructuring, and efficiency programmes
• Professional accountancy qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)

There is also potential for this role to become permanent.