At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the finance function and support long-term financial sustainability at a prestigious school.
- Company: Gateways School, an independent institution with a focus on quality education.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension scheme, flexible working, free lunches, and discounted school fees.
- Other info: Beautiful campus with modern facilities and excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in education while enjoying a supportive and collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: Experienced finance professional with strong leadership and technical skills.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
Based in the leafy North Leeds suburb of Harewood, this outstanding independent school provides a high-quality education for boys and girls aged 2 to 18. Hays is delighted to be working in partnership with Gateways School to appoint an experienced Financial Controller to a key leadership role. This is a broad and influential opportunity for a high-calibre, technically accomplished finance professional who wants to combine financial excellence with purpose and make a tangible difference within a not-for-profit education environment.
The Opportunity
As Financial Controller, you will lead the school's finance function and play a central role in supporting its long-term financial sustainability. The role offers significant breadth, autonomy and visibility, working closely with senior leaders and governors.
Key responsibilities include:
- Ownership of budgeting, forecasting, cash flow, payroll and credit control
- Leadership of the finance team and oversight of day-to-day financial operations
- Managing the year-end process, external audit and regulatory compliance
- Partnering with senior stakeholders to support non-fee income generation and assess the financial viability of school activities
- Acting as Company Secretary, supporting governance and statutory requirements
- Continuous improvement of financial systems, contracts and internal controls
The role is primarily based on site, reflecting its leadership and stakeholder-facing nature, with flexibility during school holiday periods and occasional opportunities to work from home.
Why Join Gateways School?
Gateways offers a supportive, collegiate environment alongside a strong benefits package:
- Competitive salary and pension scheme
- Flexible working aligned to the school calendar
- Beautiful campus with modern facilities and countryside views
- Free lunches and refreshments during term time
- Discounted school fees
- Free onsite parking
- Salary sacrifice electric car scheme
- Cycle to work scheme
Next Steps
For further information or a confidential discussion, please contact Catherine Hill, retained recruitment partner at Hays Senior Finance. All third-party applications will be forwarded to Hays Senior Finance.
Gateways School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of its students and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Appointments will be subject to an enhanced DBS with barred list check as well as a prohibition list check (where applicable).
Financial Controller employer: Gateways School
Gateways School is an exceptional employer that fosters a supportive and collaborative work culture, ideal for finance professionals seeking to make a meaningful impact in the education sector. With a competitive salary, flexible working arrangements, and a beautiful campus setting, employees enjoy a range of benefits including free lunches, discounted school fees, and opportunities for professional growth within a not-for-profit environment. Join us to lead our finance function and contribute to the long-term sustainability of our vibrant school community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Controller
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Gateways School. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Controller
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Gateways School.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Gateways School's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Gateways School
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Gateways School.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Gateways School will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Gateways School employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
