Group Head of Finance in London

Group Head of Finance in London

London Full-Time 75000 - 75000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Eltham College

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead financial management across three independent schools and optimise new finance systems.
  • Company: Eltham College, a thriving independent school with a focus on excellence.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, staff development programme, and potential hybrid working.
  • Why this job: Make a significant impact on financial operations in a dynamic educational environment.
  • Qualifications: Strong financial leadership skills and experience in managing finance teams.
  • Other info: Join a diverse community committed to safeguarding and promoting student welfare.

The predicted salary is between 75000 - 75000 £ per year.

Full Time – Reports to the Bursar – Line Management: Up to four Finance Officers

Base: London (Blackheath Prep and Eltham College). Multi-site responsibility across three independent schools, with potential hybrid working two days per week.

Salary: c£75,000 (with some flexibility for an exceptional candidate). A competitive salary is available, together with a clear programme of staff development.

Principal Role

Responsible across a group of three successful independent schools to provide strategic financial leadership, ensure exceptional financial stewardship, and deliver accurate, timely financial reporting. Reporting to the Bursar, the post-holder leads the financial management of the Group, oversees all financial operations, and manages a team of Finance Officers. The appointment comes at a pivotal moment: the schools are currently integrating onto a new finance system. The post-holder will play a major role in embedding the new systems, processes, controls, and reporting frameworks, ensuring full optimisation of the system, supporting staff through new workflows, strengthening data integrity, and improving automation and financial efficiency across all three schools. The post-holder will also have the opportunity to review and improve the structure, roles, and responsibilities of the finance team, ensuring the function is properly aligned with the enhanced systems environment and capable of delivering a modern, high-performing finance service.

Eltham College is a highly successful independent day school in south-east London, educating boys and girls aged 7 to 18 across both Junior and Senior Schools. The College has grown considerably: over 800 students in the Senior School, around 260 pupils in the Junior School, and places are heavily oversubscribed. Since 2020, girls can join Years 3 and 7, mirroring the Sixth Form which has been co-educational for over 45 years. The school places equal emphasis on academic, pastoral and co-curricular excellence and has an outstanding reputation in all three areas as well as for the friendly, unpretentious nature of daily life.

Benefits

A competitive salary is available, together with a clear programme of staff development.

Equal Opportunities

We welcome applications from all parts of our community as we aspire to attract staff that match the social and cultural diversity of our student intake. Candidates will be assessed against relevant criteria only (skills, qualifications, abilities, experience). Eltham College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Applicants undergo enhanced child protection screening relevant to the post, including checks with past employers and the DBS.

Group Head of Finance in London employer: Eltham College

Eltham College is an exceptional employer, offering a competitive salary and a clear programme of staff development within a supportive and inclusive work culture. Located in the vibrant area of south-east London, the role of Group Head of Finance provides unique opportunities for professional growth as you lead financial management across three independent schools, all while contributing to the integration of innovative systems that enhance operational efficiency. Join a community that values academic excellence and personal development, ensuring a rewarding and meaningful career.
Eltham College

Contact Detail:

Eltham College Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Group Head of Finance in London

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who have experience in educational institutions. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the schools and their financial operations. Understand their current challenges, especially with the new finance system integration, so you can showcase how your skills can help them thrive.

✨Tip Number 3

Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your leadership style aligns with their vision for a high-performing finance team. Highlight your experience in managing teams and improving financial processes.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.

We think you need these skills to ace Group Head of Finance in London

Strategic Financial Leadership
Financial Stewardship
Financial Reporting
Team Management
Finance System Integration
Process Improvement
Data Integrity
Automation
Financial Efficiency
Structure Review
High-Performing Finance Service
Communication Skills
Adaptability
Staff Development

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Group Head of Finance role. Highlight your experience in financial leadership and any relevant achievements that showcase your ability to manage teams and oversee financial operations.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this position. Use it to express your passion for education and how your skills can help us enhance our financial systems and processes across the schools.

Showcase Your Strategic Thinking: In your application, demonstrate your strategic thinking abilities. We want to see how you can provide exceptional financial stewardship and lead the finance team through the integration of new systems and processes.

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Eltham College.

How to prepare for a job interview at Eltham College

✨Know Your Numbers

As a Group Head of Finance, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and reporting standards relevant to the education sector. Be ready to discuss how you've used financial data to drive strategic decisions in previous roles.

✨Showcase Leadership Skills

You'll be managing a team of Finance Officers, so it's crucial to highlight your leadership experience. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams through change, especially in integrating new systems or processes. This will show that you can guide your team effectively during the transition.

✨Understand the Schools' Context

Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges and opportunities facing independent schools today. Research Eltham College and its ethos, and think about how your financial strategies can align with their goals. This will demonstrate your genuine interest in the role and the institution.

✨Prepare for Scenario Questions

Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills. Think about potential financial challenges the schools might face during the system integration and prepare your thoughts on how you would address them. This will showcase your proactive approach and strategic thinking.

Group Head of Finance in London
Eltham College
Location: London

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