Job Description

To apply for this role, you must complete the full application process through our School Talent portal -

https://apply.schooltalent.com/members/?j=2053

Job Purpose:

This pivotal role is responsible for the effective management and efficient operation of the School's Finance Function. The post holder will be a strong communicator, with the ability to drive a culture of continuous change and improvement. They will be confident in presenting to Executive Management and Board Level members, influencing the decision making process to the benefit of the organisation.

Core responsibilities include the preparation of external financial statements, liaising with external auditors, managing treasury requirements, administering VAT and corporate taxation, and management of the defined benefit and defined contribution pension schemes. The post holder will also ensure the provision and maintenance of an integrated School management information system from both accounting and finance as well as a wider school perspective.

The Head of Finance will directly manage the Finance and Payroll team. In leading this team, the Head of Finance will be accountable for; maintaining an overview of accounts payable, payroll, general ledger and maintaining adequate systems of internal control; ensuring that financial reports are accurate, timely and of a high quality to comply with all legislative/governance requirements.

The role has a wide range of internal and external stakeholders, and a key take forward will be the design and implementation of a regular financial reporting package to Executive and Non-Executive Leadership, providing forecasts and producing reports and budget plans to contribute to the school's overall strategy.

Reporting to and working collaboratively with the DFO, the post-holder will support the implementation of the school's strategy to develop and grow new sources of revenue with the ultimate aim of generating sustainable surpluses and driving continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement financial strategies that align with the company's goals and objectives. Oversee all financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, and reporting. Manage the preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in compliance with relevant regulations. Ensure accurate and timely financial accounting practices across the organisation. Lead and mentor the finance team to enhance their skills and performance. Collaborate with other departments to provide financial insights that support decision-making processes. Monitor cash flow and manage working capital effectively to ensure liquidity. Conduct risk assessments and implement measures to mitigate financial risks. Stay updated on industry trends and regulatory changes affecting financial management.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Assisting the DFO with bursary applications, strategic planning and implementation, and the development of business models and accounting frameworks for new areas business growth including commercial strategy. Overseeing the preparation of the annual budget, statutory accounts, monthly/quarterly management accounts and forecasting, capital expenditure forecasting and monitoring. Overseeing the consolidation and interpretation of financial information to the Executive team and Board of Governors and associated committees. Ensuring high standards of integrated financial planning, modelling, budgeting Ensuring appropriate financial systems, regulations and procedures are in place to provide the necessary levels of controls, checks and balances to ensure the security of the School's assets and probity in the School and Board of Governors' financial transactions. Overseeing procurement arrangements and ensuring value for money decisions are effective. Overseeing financial corporate governance including risk management and insurance matters. Reviewing, implementing and adapting new and existing financial systems and control. Overseeing the delivery of payroll systems and the linkages with finance systems. Overseeing the financial aspects of school supply chain contracts. Providing advice to the Executive team and Board of Governors on the financial implications of decisions. To develop and maintain effective working relationships with external stakeholders on all financial matters and act as the main interface with the Audit and Finance Committee of the Board of Governors. Dealing with and advising on tax issues, ensuring compliance with tax legislation and monitoring the annual tax year end procedures to ensure that deadlines are met. Contributing to the professional development of the Accounts team, by encouraging information sharing, professional development and sourcing appropriate training opportunities . Keeping your own knowledge up to date through continuous professional development and networking opportunities.
Strategic & Organisational Leadership

Leading the financial input into long-term organisational strategy, ensuring alignment between financial goals and the school's educational and operational objectives. Acting as a key strategic partner to the DFO and Executive team in shaping sustainable growth, investment priorities, and resource allocation. Driving financial transformation projects, including digitalisation and automation of financial processes to improve efficiency and reporting accuracy.
Performance & Impact

Developing and monitoring financial KPIs and dashboards to support evidence-based decision-making. Championing a culture of financial accountability and transparency across all departments. Leading initiatives to optimise cost efficiency without compromising educational quality or service delivery.
Stakeholder & External Relations

Representing the organisation in external financial negotiations, audits, and inspections. Building strong relationships with banks, investment partners, auditors, and regulatory bodies to support the school's financial position and reputation.
Risk & Compliance Expansion

Overseeing financial due diligence for partnerships, acquisitions, or major capital projects. Ensuring compliance with evolving charity, education sector, and financial regulations, advising on policy changes where relevant.
People Leadership

Leading, mentoring, and appraising the Finance team to ensure high performance and succession planning. Promotion of cross-departmental collaboration to integrate financial considerations into all operational plans.
This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties, and it is expected that the post-holder will participate in other reasonable activities according to the needs of the School and for better fulfillment of the role.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Education, Training and Qualifications:

Essential

Educated to honours degree level in a relevant discipline. ACCA/CA qualified. Affiliated to a professional accounting organisation.
Desirable

Experience of CPD across relevant areas of finance, management, and the Third Sector

Experience:

Essential

Significant experience of working within an Accounts or Finance team. Proficient user of ICT, Microsoft Office, Google Suite, Integrated ERP Software Systems.
Desirable

Experience of leading teams, ideally within an Industry, Third or Education Sector environment Experience of leading change management in an organisation, for example, in establishing new systems and processes.

Skills:

Essential

Exceptional numeracy skills with a proven ability to analyse complex financial data and develop effective solutions. Highly developed written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present financial information clearly to diverse audiences. Strong interpersonal and negotiation abilities, fostering positive relationships and achieving mutually beneficial outcomes. Excellent time management and organisational skills, with the capacity to prioritise effectively in high-pressure environments. Strong commercial acumen with up-to-date knowledge of current accountancy standards, trends, and best practices.
Desirable

Proven training skills or ability to share knowledge Project management skills A strategic thinker, able to connect high level ideas to the detail required in implementation, whilst maintaining an awareness of the bigger picture A strong decision maker and implementer of change

Interpersonal skills:

Self-motivated with a structured and methodical approach to problem-solving and decision-making. Able to work effectively both independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams. Skilled in engaging and communicating with individuals from diverse backgrounds and professional levels. Tactful, discreet, and trusted to manage sensitive and confidential information with the highest integrity. Composed and focused under pressure, consistently meeting deadlines without compromising quality. Strong relationship-builder, adopting a culture of openness, trust, and collaboration across the organisation. Empathetic and supportive, with a genuine commitment to understanding and addressing the needs of others.
Desirable

Empathy with the aims and ethos of the Independent Schools' sector. Willingness to engage with diverse stakeholders across the organisation, including academic and support staff, Board of Governors, Parents and wider Community Members.

To apply for this role, you must complete the full application process through our School Talent portal -

https://apply.schooltalent.com/members/?j=2053

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: 55,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Company pension Sick pay
Work Location: In person

Reference ID: Head of Finance 2025