A place to learn, a place to grow, a place to experience, a place to succeed
“Listen to learners and employers when developing, delivering and assessing learning”
“Encourage and inspire active learning”
“Value diversity and ensure equality of opportunity in everything we do”
DIRECTOR OF FINANCE
Recruitment Information Pack
Closing date: 10:00am on 4th March 2013
Assessment Centre: 18th March 2013
“Encourage enterprise and entrepreneurism”
“Work with partners to extend choice in learning”
“Work as a team for the success of our business and our learners”
February 2013
Dear Applicant
POSITION: Director of Finance
MO27
Thank you for showing an interest in West Cheshire College and the exceptional opportunity in
the above position.
The closing date for completed applications to be received electronically or by post to HR &
Development is 4th March 2013 (10:00am). Shortlisting is scheduled to take place on 6th March
2013, and interviews/assessments will be held on 18th March 2013.
Please note that the selection process will take place on the one day only (18th March) and
additional shortlisting will take place during this time. Three references will be required and will
be requested after the shortlisting and prior to the assessment centre.
Should you wish to apply for this post, you will need to complete the application pack, which
consists of; a letter of two sides relating to your suitability for the post, a C.V. and the completed
Equal Opportunities Monitoring form, which should be submitted either electronically to
recruitment@west-cheshire.ac.uk, or by post to HR & Development, Service & Creative
Industries Campus, West Cheshire College, Off Sutton Way, Ellesmere Port, CH65 7BF.
Yours sincerely
Nicky Lees
Manager – HR & Development
An Introduction to West Cheshire College:
West Cheshire College has benefitted from major capital
investment well supported by the LSC and later the SFA.
This commitment of circa £65 million to build two new high
quality campuses in Ellesmere Port and Chester will improve
vocational opportunities for young people, extend the range
of opportunities for adults and support the local economy.
The new 6,000 sq. metre Technologies Campus at Chester
(opened March 2011) provides excellent facilities. The new
Creative and Service Industries Campus at Ellesmere Port
(phase 1 opened in September 2011) a 19,500 sq. metre
landmark building providing world-class facilities. An Arts
wing has recently opened at Ellesmere Port in May 2012.
We aim for learners to be employable and work ready
and to support employers in achieving their business
aims and improving their productivity. In its most recent
Ofsted inspection the College was judged to be good
with many outstanding features; all of its work with
employers was judged to be outstanding. The College
has won Beacon Awards for both practical teaching and
practical learning and inclusion. We aim to be the leader
in the field of vocational learning.
West Cheshire College is a specialist vocational college.
This means that what, when, how and where we deliver
learning reflects the needs of employers as well as
individuals. It also means that as a College we actively
welcome applicants from the industries and sectors we
serve as well as those with an educational background.
We are one team recognising that support services are
as important to our learners and our business as
delivery teams
West Cheshire College – Key Facts

The College offers provision for technological, creative and service industries from entry level to Higher
Education. All full time and substantial part time learners are supported to improve their English and
Maths skills.

The College is one of the biggest employers in West Cheshire employing the equivalent of approximately
480 full time permanent staff and over 240 under hourly paid contracts.

There is a comprehensive development programme for all staff including individual support to achieve
qualifications such as literacy, numeracy, Certificates in Education and Management Training. Staff are
also encouraged and supported in keeping their skills and knowledge of industries up to date through
visits, placements and shadowing schemes to ensure that they remain vocationally competent to teach
in our environment.

The College current turnover is at £25 million a year and although the largest part of its income comes
from public funding (most notably the SFA and the EFA) the College has grown in its income from other
sources over recent years giving it a diverse basis for its financial security. The College has a great
opportunity to continue to grow with its new cutting edge and state of the art facilities.

The College is financially sound and has paid above the national recommendation for salary increases in
the last four years the College continues to attract high calibre employees at all levels. It has an
innovative scheme to allow access to additional parts of the pay scale for many staff. The College has a
contributory final salary pension scheme, preferential rates for BUPA health care and a child care
voucher scheme.

The College has approximately 20,000 learners every year. These include:
14 -16 year olds who learn part time in the College
16 -18 year olds who are mainly full time in the College
Apprentices who learn in the College and in the workplace
Adults who are mainly part time and learn in the College
Employees learning in their work place
Adults
Learning in the community.
Our brand new fitness
suite containing state of
the art Fitzone equipment
is now available for all staff
to use. Prices start from
just £8 per month!
Enjoy a fabulous staff discount on all hair and beauty treatments
at our Francesco Salon!
No more loose change! All WCC staff has access to
a Squid card account, which when topped up with
money can be used to purchase food and drink or
other items across campus. Squid is convenient,
safe and secure. For more information visit –
www.squidcard.com/wcc
As a member of staff at WCC you are
entitled to 50% off all course fees at
Chester University. We value your
development!
As a staff member your children can make use
of the “Little Einsteins” crèche facilities at the
Ellesmere Port Campus at price from £2.50 per
hour.
We have made it affordable for you
as staff members to purchase a
laptop, computer or even an iPad
at lower costs with our ‘Computer
Purchase Scheme’. You can even
pay in instalments.
Enjoy our fantastic fine dining experience for lunch
or dinner by visiting our fully licensed Dining Room
restaurant at Ellesmere Port.
Staff are entitled to reduced
entrance rates £11.95 for
Adults and £8.95 for children!
Get cash back on your everyday dental and
healthcare expenses for yourself and your family
by joining Medicash today for as little as £6.50 per
month!
Get help with the cost of your everyday healthcare with Simply Health
(previously Healthsure). With both healthcare and dental plans
available, this scheme will help you pay your medical bills for both
yourself and your family.
Plus many more…
Application Pack:
The College:
West Cheshire College is a successful vocational college which has completed a £65 million
capital project. This is a new post to strengthen the financial team and financial planning
function to better prepare the College for the challenges ahead. The post reports directly to the
Principal.
The College had a turnover of £25million in its latest published accounts, employs around 700
people with over 450 of those being permanent staff and delivers learning in an active way
which mirrors the world of work. It runs several commercial operations which are the real work
environments for learners as well as offering staff, students and members of the public a service
and giving the College an additional income.
The College has worked hard to diversify its income in recent years but the majority of its
income remains from public sources such as the EFA, SFA, ESF and HEFCE. This public income
has grown and continues to do so as the College is a beneficiary of the SFA claw back system for
example. However, it runs successful bespoke programmes for both employers and individuals
which have also steadily grown over recent years. Financial management was described as
“very strong” in the College’s most recent Ofsted report.
The Role:
This post is an exciting opportunity for someone who likes to problem solve, can think of
imaginative solutions and truly wants to make a difference. The aim of the role is to ensure we
use resources skilfully, efficiently and effectively as well as supporting the College to make
sound and sensible judgements when planning. The person appointed will be a designated
senior post holder and a member of the senior management team.
As such they can be asked to be Acting Principal in the absence of the Principal (for example
during the holiday periods of the Principal) and will be fully involved in strategic decision making
and supporting managers to maintain the highest standards and to be innovative in both
curriculum and service delivery.
The post is responsible for leading finance and risk management, the management of the
payroll, procurement policy and strategy, leading the team which undertakes tenders and bids
for contracts and monitors the performance of such contracts and ensuring the College is well
prepared for and can respond to the ever changing financial and political landscape in which
Further Education Colleges sit.
The Director of Finance will make a substantial contribution to the College’s business and
strategic planning processes. Liaising with auditors, funding bodies and other stakeholders will
be a significant feature of the role. The Director of Finance will be responsible for reporting to
governors on the financial health of the College and for preparing reports to support their
strategic decision making.
The College is seeking to appoint a well-qualified, experienced accountant with a public sector
background. Experience of working in a Further Education College will be an advantage
especially as knowledge of the funding methodologies under which the College works will be a
key part of the role. They must be accurate and reliable in their work, but also a strategic thinker
who can support the College in achieving its aims by providing a sound and sustainable financial
base.
Your application should tell us how you think you can contribute based on the above.
If you feel you meet the above requirements, then we would like to receive an application from
you. Should you require any further information on this role, please contact a member of the HR
& Development Team on 01244 656382.
A place to learn, a place to grow, a place to experience, a place to succeed
WEST CHESHIRE COLLEGE
JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Title:
Director of Finance
Reports to:
Principal and Chief Executive Officer
Responsible for:
Manager- Finance
Manager- Funding, Bids and Initiatives
Salary:
£65K
Main Purpose of position:
The post holder will lead a fully trained team responsible for the overall financial planning, budget
setting, financial reporting, financial systems, contracting and corporate business planning of West
Cheshire College.
The post-holder will be required to contribute advanced theoretical and practical business
knowledge, negotiating ability and strong analytical skills in addition to effectively communicating
highly complex financial, contracting and business issues.
This is a senior role where the post holder will provide support and advice on a range of financial
issues. The post holder will support senior management in the decision making process within the
framework of corporate and strategic objectives.
As a senior post holder they may be required to Deputise for the Principal
Key responsibilities:
1. To provide strategic leadership to drive the continuous improvement of the College’s
financial health to ensure Grade A status
2. Maintain and further develop an effective framework of financial and funding processes
which have a positive impact on the student and employee experience
3. Develop and deliver an ambitious vision for the department through inspiring and
empowering others to achieve outstanding outcomes.
Specific Responsibilities (maybe subject to negotiated change) include:
1. Contribute to the College’s strategic plans by providing financial advice and guidance and
supporting financial reports and analysis to the Strategic Management Team and Board of Governors
providing early warning of any impending financial issues.
2. Develop the College’s annual budget, and monitor activity against budget to help make sure all
financial targets are met and financial and statutory regulations are complied with.
3. Ensure that financial advice and guidance is provided to managers and other budget holders to
enable them to develop budgets and monitor activity against budget to achieve their objectives.
4. Manage, motivate and develop staff with finance roles to ensure they have the appropriate skills
and experience and are able to carry out their responsibilities to the required standard, developing a
cost-effective finance function within the College.
5. Lead on the preparation of the College’s annual accounts to ensure these are accurate, meet
regulatory standards, audited, and are submitted on time.
6. Continuously seek to improve the College’s internal financial systems, policies and procedures and
controls, informed by the annual audit and an internal financial audit process including developing
and managing the College’s payroll function to make sure the College’s finances are managed
consistently, effectively and efficiently.
7. Lead on a sustained approach to appropriately bidding for finances for the College through
available channels
8. Liaise with the Capital Projects Manager over issues relating to Capital build and support
procurement of Capital projects that demonstrate value for money.
9. Monitor key external contracts for services to ensure the College is getting best value for money.
10. Carry out all necessary actions to ensure the College fulfil its financial contractual, regulatory and
legal obligations, and demonstrates best use of assets
11. Contribute to the Senior Management team, and carry out any other ad hoc projects as directed
by the Principal.
12. Make provision for continued own professional development, including updating of knowledge
around policy development, research and national initiatives, and developing and deepening
understanding of West Cheshire College’s ethos and principles.
13. Promote equality of opportunity and diversity in all aspects of the job and to challenge inequality
and discrimination
14. Be aware of your responsibilities under health and safety legislation and implement
appropriately in terms of your own actions for yourself and other persons who may be affected by
your acts or omissions at work.
15.Ensure compliance with all relevant legislation (e.g. Data protections Act, Copyright etc.)
16. Undertake other duties as may reasonably be expected within the scope and objectives of the
post.
This job description provides an overview of the responsibilities and principal accountabilities of the
role at this point in time. Your responsibilities/accountabilities will include, but will not be limited to
those detailed. It is anticipated that the content of roles will evolve and change overtime, providing
opportunities for personal development. You are expected to be flexible in taking on responsibilities
that currently fall outside of this job description, but which are commensurate with your level of
seniority.
West Cheshire College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people
and vulnerable adults, and expects staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Employment to this post
is therefore subject to a Disclosure Barring Service Check.
WEST CHESHIRE COLLEGE
Person Specification – Director of Finance
ATTRIBUTES
TRAINING AND QUALIFICATIONS
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE
SKILLS & ABILITIES
ESSENTIAL

Degree or equivalent experience

CCAB recognised with significant post qualification

Evidence of CPD post qualification

Substantial experience in a finance function with significant experience as a Deputy
Finance Director or equivalent OR similar experience through professional services

Significant experience of leading complex contract negotiations

Significant experience of evaluating complex service and capital developments,
leading on financial analysis

Experience of making recommendations to senior management on business
opportunities

Thorough understanding of statutory and regulatory returns and submissions and
experience of preparation and review

Significant experience of leading and managing a finance team

Strong technical accounting knowledge, including PFI accounting

Excellent communication skills, both written and spoken

Demonstrates strategic thinking

Ability to see the wider issues associated with a particular situation

Ability to influence and negotiate with a wide range of individuals

Prioritises and plans complex issues

Ability to investigate, analyse and convey highly complex financial information to a
non-Finance audience

Ability to work in a multidisciplinary team
DESIRABLE


FE Experience
Understands dynamics FE
environment
Personal Qualities

Ability to deal with challenging situations, with quick decision making and analysis

Ability to inspire confidence of others in the finance function

Ability to motivate staff to work to their highest level of achievement

Evidence of staff development

Good interpersonal skills

Willing to work flexibly

Motivates others

Confident

Sensitive and persuasive

Diplomatic

Acts with integrity and professionalism

Possesses insight into own strengths and weaknesses

Acts as a team player

Demonstrates good time management
COMPETENCIES (Behaviours)
Leadership and Management
 Sets clear vision, direction, objectives and responsibilities, ensures accountability and inspires others by acting with integrity
 Drives service improvement and tackles poor performance
 Motivates teams, creating a positive environment which encourages open discussion and innovation, supports performance,
builds capability and empowers staff
Relationship Building
 Successfully builds and maintains effective relationships with senior colleagues, external agencies, employees demonstrating
effective interpersonal skills in dealing with people at all levels from a wide range of backgrounds.
 Empathy with service users and an understanding of links between service developments and changes on service user
experience.
Influencing and Persuasion
 Successfully persuades and influences individuals and groups at a range of levels on issues which are highly sensitive and
contentious e.g. service changes,
 Uses a range of techniques to achieve acceptable solutions and compromise through collaborative working e.g. development
and delivery of service and savings plans
 Active Listener
High level of written and
communication skills
 Communicates effectively across a range of contexts including the ability to create and deliver concise, engaging and accurate
information to a range of audiences, adapting style and content to needs of the audience and checking understanding.
 Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, able to use various communication techniques to convey complex and
potentially contentious topics.
 Ability to understand and interpret complex written reports and policy documents, including the ability to evaluate the
arguments.
 Proven presentation skills
Organisational and Planning
Valuing diversity
Other

Ability to plan and manage work to optimise resources available, ensuring timelines and budgets are met. Ensures performance
objectives are set and that these are regularly reviewed.

To have a demonstrable commitment to quality assurance and maintaining accurate, records.

Resilient and able to manage self and others in a work intensive and pressurised environment.

To work without supervision to achieve the objectives of the post, making decisions in a timely and effective manner

Shows respect and understanding of diversity and values individual difference. Treats all people fairly and appropriately.

Proactively seeks to inequalities of disadvantaged groups and acts to raise awareness of the benefits of diversity and build
active commitment to ensure equality of opportunity.

Ability to cope with pressure, conflicts, demands and ambiguities whilst still achieving results

Able to attend meetings outside of normal working hours.
A place to learn, a place to grow, a place to experience, a place to succeed