Chief Financial Officer & Associate Principal | Wyggeston & Queen Elizabeth I College

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Chief Financial Officer & Associate Principal Wyggeston & Queen Elizabeth I College

Wyggeston & Queen Elizabeth I College, the leading sixth form college serving Leicester City and Leicestershire, are looking to engage a new Chief Financial Officer & Associate Principal to support the College through the next phase of their development.

‘We are WQE’ – A friendly and caring College committed to offering the best opportunities possible for its students. The continued success of the College is due to the commitment of our experienced and knowledgeable staff, employed in a wide range of teaching and support roles.

About the role

The role of Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Associate Principal position is vital for driving the College’s success and enhancing student outcomes. Reporting directly to the Principal, this role is not only about maintaining financial stability but also about spearheading a transformative vision for the institution.

Key responsibilities include:

• Strategic leadership in finance: Expertly leading the development and execution of a dynamic financial strategy that aligns with the college’s mission and goals.
• Informed decision-making: Staying at the forefront of financial and accounting trends, providing timely insights that empower the Principal and Corporation to make informed decisions.
• Comprehensive financial planning: Overseeing the creation of robust medium- and long-term financial plans and annual budgets that reflect the college’s strategic ambitions.
• Operational excellence: Ensuring seamless daily management of the College’s finances while implementing strong financial systems and controls that promote accountability.
• Guiding effective procurement: Strategically overseeing procurement policies and offering valuable support to colleagues, ensuring compliance and efficiency in all purchasing activities.
• Audit leadership: Facilitating external audits, and ensuring a comprehensive assurance framework that safeguards the college’s interests.
• Estates and development oversight: Directing the College’s accommodation, estates, and landscaping strategies, including the planning and execution of major capital projects that enhance the campus environment and student experience.
• Health and safety stewardship: Strategic oversight of health and safety policies, ensuring compliance and fostering a safe learning environment.
• Liaison with external agencies: Serving as the pivotal link to external organisations, including Ofsted, auditors, and funding agencies, reinforcing the College’s commitment to accountability, efficiency, and effectiveness.

This role is not just a position; it is a powerful opportunity to shape the future of the College, ensuring it not only meets but exceeds its strategic objectives while providing unparalleled learning experiences for students.

Who we are looking for

Wyggeston and Queen Elizabeth I College (WQE) are deeply committed to our social vision to provide a rounded education that prepares students for future careers. It is essential that our next CFO and Associate Principal shares this passion and brings a robust set of skills, knowledge, and expertise to ensure we can continue making a positive impact in our communities.

The ideal candidate will hold a professional accounting/finance qualification and possess substantial experience operating at a senior level within a complex organisational framework, such as non-profits or educational institutions. This role is pivotal in leading strategic financial planning, comprehensive risk management, and accurate financial reporting. We expect you to have a proven track record in safeguarding financial health, complemented by a genuine enthusiasm for collaboration. Your leadership style should be inclusive and supportive, reflecting a strong commitment to our mission of transforming and enhancing lives.

To thrive in this role, it is crucial that you have previous experience as part of a senior leadership or executive team, where you successfully collaborated with peers and led through others. You should have the ability to positively influence change beyond your immediate responsibilities, demonstrating initiative and strategic foresight. Your professional insights will be appreciated and encouraged, and you will be entrusted with providing holistic support across the leadership team. Experience in reporting to and advising a governing body or non-executive board is imperative, as you will maintain a close working relationship with our dedicated Board of Governors, particularly with the Chair of the Finance & Resources Committee, fostering effective communication and strategic alignment.

We are steadfast in our commitment to equal opportunities and the promotion of diversity within our organisation. We believe that our team should reflect the rich diversity of our communities, and we actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, especially those from underrepresented groups, including Black, Asian, and minority ethnic communities.

For further information about the role or to arrange a confidential discussion, please contact our advising consultant at Peridot Partners:

If you would like to know more about this role please contact Sarah Atkins-Boal