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- Tasks: Lead the Finance and Accounting department, providing strategic financial advice and oversight.
- Company: St Albans School, a prestigious independent day school with a strong academic reputation.
- Benefits: Full-time role with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Other info: Commitment to safeguarding and promoting a diverse, inclusive work environment.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a real impact on financial strategies in education.
- Qualifications: Professional accountancy qualification and significant experience in senior management accounting.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
St Albans School is a leading independent day school with an outstanding reputation for academic excellence.
About this Role
Reporting to the Bursar, this new post represents an exciting opportunity to join the School at a time when it is expanding its footprint. We are seeking an experienced and professionally qualified individual to lead the Finance and Accounting department of the St Albans School Group, which includes Beechwood Park School, the Woollam Trust, and Abbey Gateway Enterprises. The role offers scope for growth as the overall team's remit evolves. The postholder will provide accurate financial advice, guidance, and analysis to support strategic decision-making within the group.
Duties include overseeing the full budgeting and management accounts process, statutory accounts, audit, taxation, VAT, and regulatory compliance whilst ensuring effective financial systems, policies, controls, and operational accounting procedures are maintained. The role also involves responsibility for fees and bursaries processes, procurement oversight, and supporting the development of commercial income opportunities and lettings activities across the group.
Qualifications
The ideal candidate will hold a recognised professional accountancy qualification and will have significant post-qualification experience in a senior management accounting role. Experience of law relating to tax, PAYE, VAT, benefit-in-kind regulations, and charity status requirements is essential. Candidates should demonstrate excellent analytical, organisational, and communication skills, together with strong leadership capability, commercial awareness, and a high level of integrity. Experience within the charity sector and/or an independent school environment would be advantageous.
The post is full time, 37.5 hours per week, and will be based at the St Albans School site, with a regular presence required at the sites of associated entities.
Additional Information
The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Applicants must therefore be willing to undergo child protection screening and safer recruitment checks appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service. St Albans School is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity and the creation of an inclusive environment for all employees. Employment selections are made according to suitability for the post, irrespective of background or protected characteristic. Should you have any queries please contact Sarah de Rossi, HR Manager.
The School reserves the right to make an appointment before the closing date, so early applications are encouraged.
Finance Director at St Albans School employer: Bishop's Hatfield Girls' School
Contact Detail:
Bishop's Hatfield Girls' School Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Director at St Albans School
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education and finance sectors. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the school and its financial practices. We want you to show that you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in how St Albans School operates. Tailor your answers to reflect their values and needs.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You’ll want to clearly articulate your experience and how it aligns with the role of Finance Director. We suggest rehearsing with a friend or in front of a mirror to boost your confidence and ensure you hit all the key points.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. So, get that application in and let’s make it happen!
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Director at St Albans School
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Finance Director role. Highlight your relevant experience in financial management, especially in education or charity sectors, and showcase your leadership skills. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for St Albans School. Mention specific experiences that align with the job description and show us your passion for education and finance.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: Since this role involves a lot of financial analysis, make sure to highlight your analytical skills in your application. Provide examples of how you've used these skills to support strategic decision-making in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss any important updates. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our community!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bishop's Hatfield Girls' School
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Finance Director, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've used them in past roles. Think about specific examples where your financial analysis led to strategic decisions.
✨Understand the School's Values
St Albans School has a strong reputation for academic excellence and community values. Familiarise yourself with their mission and how your experience aligns with their goals. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to their vision and support their growth.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-world scenarios. Prepare examples of how you've handled budgeting challenges or compliance issues in the past. This will show your ability to navigate complex financial landscapes effectively.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a senior role, they'll want to know how you lead teams. Be ready to share your leadership philosophy and provide examples of how you've motivated and developed your team members. Highlight any experience in fostering collaboration across departments.