Head of Finance
| Posting date: | 24 December 2025 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £90,000 to £120,000 per year |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 23 January 2026 |
| Location: | M50 3XW |
| Remote working: | On-site only |
| Company: | Navigators |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: |
Summary
Head of Finance
Business Area:Organisation-wide | Contract: Permanent | Working Pattern: Full-time | Pay Scale: £90,000–£120,000 | Line Manager: MD
Role Purpose
As a member of the leadership team and board, the Head of Finance provides strategic financial leadership, enabling growth and sustainability. This includes building a high-performing finance function, ensuring financial integrity, and acting as a trusted advisor to senior leadership. The role combines governance, insight, and collaboration within a values-driven, founder-led culture.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Governance
* Partner with MD and Owner on long-term financial planning and growth.
* Drive revenue diversification and lead strategic discussions on resource planning, forecasting, and capital projects.
* Build and lead a professional finance function, ensuring decisions align with standards and commercial reality.
Financial Reporting & Control
* Oversee risk management, internal controls, and compliance with UK GAAP/SME standards.
* Manage contracts, supplier agreements, and relationships with auditors.
* Ensure accurate, timely reporting and regulatory submissions.
Cashflow & Treasury
* Implement disciplined cash forecasting and working capital management.
* Enforce dividend policy and strengthen debtor/creditor processes.
Budgeting & Analysis
* Lead annual budgeting and reforecasting cycles.
* Introduce structured performance analysis and actionable MI integrating financial and operational metrics.
Transaction & Investment Support
* Prepare for due diligence and lead financial workstreams in transactions.
* Develop appraisal frameworks for new initiatives and investments.
Stakeholder Engagement
* Build transparent relationships with government bodies, auditors, and funding agencies.
* Communicate complex financials clearly to diverse audiences.
Team Development
* Manage and upskill a small finance team, fostering collaboration and accountability.
Experience & Qualifications
* Professional accountancy qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, ICAEW, ICAS; CIPFA preferred).
* Proven senior finance leadership in founder-led/private organisations serving public-sector education.
* Expertise in UK GAAP/FRS 102, statutory reporting, and MI development.
* Strong commercial modelling, budgeting, forecasting, and scenario analysis skills.
* Cashflow and treasury control experience; HMRC compliance (VAT, PAYE).
* Governance, risk management, and public-sector funding knowledge.
* Ability to standardise processes and leverage ERP/BI tools.
* Skilled communicator with integrity and gravitas to influence senior stakeholders.
Declarations
We are committed to safeguarding young people and adults. This role involves regulated activity under the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 and requires DBS checks, reference checks, and adherence to UK safeguarding legislation. Further policy details available on request.