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- Tasks: Lead financial operations and strategic planning for a thriving school.
- Company: Join a well-regarded school in Surrey, committed to excellence in education.
- Benefits: Enjoy a senior leadership role with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact on the school's financial health and long-term success.
- Qualifications: Qualified finance professional (ACCA, ACA, or CIMA) with education or charity sector experience.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive Senior Leadership Team and drive financial efficiency.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
A well-regarded school in Surrey is seeking a skilled and motivated Head of Finance to lead its financial operations and play a key role in the school’s strategic leadership. This senior position is part of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) and reports directly to the Headteacher, offering the opportunity to make a significant impact on the school’s financial health and long-term success.
Key Responsibilities:
- Strategic Financial Leadership: Provide expert financial guidance, focusing on budget setting, financial planning, and long-term sustainability.
- Financial Management: Oversee all aspects of income, expenditure, and cash flow, ensuring robust financial systems and controls are in place.
- Reporting and Insight: Deliver detailed financial analysis and reports to the Headteacher, Governors, and SLT, supporting informed decision-making.
- Team Leadership: Line manage and develop a small finance team, overseeing their induction, training, and performance appraisals.
- Procurement and Value for Money: Drive cost efficiency by ensuring best value for supplies, services, and contracts.
- Commercial Strategy: Maximise revenue opportunities from school facilities, including estates and grounds.
We are seeking a qualified finance professional (ACCA, ACA, or CIMA – qualified) with a background in the education or charity sector. The ideal candidate will bring:
- Strong leadership and financial management skills.
- Experience in driving financial efficiency and implementing robust financial controls.
- The ability to deliver strategic insight and collaborate effectively with senior leaders.
This is a fantastic opportunity to take on a pivotal leadership role in a thriving school, shaping the financial strategy and contributing to its long-term success.
Farrer Barnes Ltd does not discriminate on the grounds of age, race, gender, disability, creed or sexual orientation and complies with all relevant UK legislation. Farrer Barnes Ltd acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers.
Contact Detail:
Farrer Barnes Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the education sector, especially those who have experience in financial leadership roles. Attend relevant conferences or workshops to meet potential contacts who can provide insights or even refer you to opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Research the specific financial challenges faced by schools in Surrey. Understanding local issues will allow you to tailor your discussions and demonstrate your knowledge during interviews, showing that you're not just qualified but also well-informed.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous experiences in financial management, particularly in the education or charity sectors. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've driven financial efficiency and implemented controls, as this will resonate with the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 4
Familiarise yourself with the school's mission and values. During your interactions, whether in interviews or networking, align your financial vision with their goals to show that you are not only a finance expert but also a good cultural fit for the school.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your qualifications and experience relevant to the Head of Finance role. Emphasise your leadership skills, financial management experience, and any specific achievements in the education or charity sector.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that clearly outlines your motivation for applying and how your background aligns with the school's needs. Mention your strategic financial leadership experience and your ability to drive financial efficiency.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly state your qualifications (ACCA, ACA, or CIMA) in both your CV and cover letter. Provide examples of how these qualifications have equipped you to handle the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Team Leadership Experience: Include specific examples of your experience in managing and developing finance teams. Highlight any training or performance appraisal initiatives you've led, as this is crucial for the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Farrer Barnes Limited
✨Showcase Your Financial Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your qualifications and experience in finance, particularly in the education or charity sector. Highlight specific examples of how you've successfully managed budgets, implemented financial controls, and driven efficiency.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a Head of Finance, you'll be leading a team. Share your experiences in managing and developing teams, focusing on how you've supported their growth and performance. Be ready to discuss your leadership style and how it aligns with the school's values.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
Understand the school's financial landscape and be ready to discuss strategic financial planning. Think about how you can contribute to long-term sustainability and what innovative ideas you might bring to maximise revenue opportunities.
✨Engage with the Interview Panel
The interview will likely involve senior leaders, so engage them with insightful questions about their financial goals and challenges. This shows your interest in the role and helps you assess how you can best contribute to the school's success.
