Job Description

The Opportunity:

Leweston School is seeking an experienced, and highly motivated Head of Finance to join our senior leadership team. This is a pivotal role, reporting directly to the Headmaster, responsible for leading all financial operations, ensuring the school's financial health, sustainability, and compliance, and providing strategic financial insight to support our continued growth and development.

You will be instrumental in safeguarding the school's financial future, managing its resources effectively, and contributing to the strategic decision-making process that shapes the educational experience at Leweston.

Key Responsibilities:

The Head of Finance will oversee and lead all financial aspects of the school, including:

Financial Reporting & Compliance:

Oversee the preparation of the Trust's annual accounts in accordance with Company and Charity law (SORP). Manage the annual external audit process, acting as the primary liaison with auditors. Ensure all tax returns are filed accurately and on time, and taxes due are paid promptly. Ensure reporting meets compliant standards with statutory law and financial regulations.

Budgeting & Strategic Planning:

Prepare and manage the annual budget, including comprehensive cashflow projections, aligning with Board and DfE requirements. Maintain a robust rolling 3-5-year financial plan/forecast. Coordinate the preparation of budget and financial forecasting, including scenario planning and sensitivity analysis. Support the business with all financial aspects of the strategic plan and decision-making processes. Prepare business cases and financial appraisals for new projects, taking lead responsibility for their oversight and implementation.

Operational Finance:

Manage all day-to-day accounting operations, including Billing, Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, General Ledger, and Revenue Recognition. Ensure accurate preparation of monthly management accounts and other reports, including re-forecasting each term, with insightful commentary, variance analysis, advice, and benchmarking data for Governors and budget holders. Oversee regular bank reconciliations. Coordinate the management of cash flow, debt, and debt collection, including the management of bursary and scholarship offers. Manage the payroll and approval of monthly payroll adjustments for staff, including pension contributions.

Internal Controls & Process Improvement:

Ensure appropriate internal control processes are in place to mitigate financial risks, maximise economy and efficiency, and enable accountability. Document business processes and accounting policies to maintain strong internal controls. Lead initiatives to streamline and improve all operations and accounting systems. Review and propose updates to the school's financial policies as required.

Leadership & Collaboration:

Manage, mentor, and motivate the finance department staff. Help the Director of Business Strategy and Operations in presenting reports to senior executives, Governors, and Board members, including attendance at the Executive Committee and relevant Governor meetings.

Person Specification:

Experience:

Proven work experience as a Head of Finance, Financial Controller, or similar senior finance role. In-depth understanding of cash flow management, bank reconciliation, and bookkeeping. Hands-on experience with budgeting and risk management. Excellent knowledge of data analysis and forecasting models. Advanced computer software skills, including Microsoft Excel and financial reporting software. Experience working in an educational environment is desirable but not essential.

Qualifications:

Professional accounting qualification (ACA/ACCA/CIMA) is highly advantageous.

Skills:

Solid analytical and decision-making skills. Strong business acumen and unwavering integrity. Results-oriented and metrics-driven approach. Exceptional time management and problem-solving abilities. Outstanding interpersonal communication and leadership skills, with the ability to communicate and manage staff at all levels. Ability to lead by example and demonstrate a strong sense of integrity, ethics, and dependability. Professional written and oral communication skills. Confidence in presenting complex financial information to both specialist and non-specialist audiences (including Governors and the Board). Ability to assimilate knowledge and understanding of areas relevant to the role such as strategic finance, law, tax matters, school maintenance, and project management.

Personal Qualities:

Ability to work effectively under pressure. Collaborative mindset with the ability to work closely with upper management to organize, plan, and achieve company financial goals.

Salary

: In the region of 50,000 per annum.

Benefits of Working at Leweston School:

Leweston School offers a supportive and rewarding work environment, complemented by a comprehensive benefits package, including:

Membership of a generous pension scheme, with the School contributing up to 12%. Free onsite parking. Complimentary meals during working hours. Generous annual leave allowance of 25 days plus bank holidays. Possibility of fee remission for eligible staff children.

Application Process:

To apply for this exciting opportunity, please

copy this link;

https://www.tes.com/jobs/vacancy/head-of-finance-dorset-2228554

into a browser and

apply

using the quick apply option.

We strongly recommend applying as soon as possible

as the advert could close earlier if we have sufficient applicants.

Leweston School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: From 50,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Company pension Discounted or free food Free parking On-site parking
Work Location: In person