At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the finance function and ensure financial sustainability for a vibrant school community.
- Company: Join Gateways School, an independent institution dedicated to quality education.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working, free lunches, and discounted school fees.
- Other info: Work in a beautiful campus with modern facilities and great career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in education while developing your finance career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in finance leadership and strong technical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 70000 £ 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
- Friendly, collaborative school community
- 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 aligned with the school calendar, and a range of benefits including discounted school fees and a cycle to work scheme, employees enjoy a fulfilling work-life balance in a beautiful campus setting. The opportunity for professional growth and leadership within a not-for-profit environment makes Gateways School a standout choice for those looking to advance their careers while contributing to the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Controller
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector or finance world. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Gateways School and its values. Show them you’re not just about numbers; you care about making a difference in the education sector too!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your skills in budgeting, forecasting, and financial management can help the school thrive. Confidence is key!
✨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 that extra step.
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Controller
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Financial Controller role. Highlight your experience in budgeting, forecasting, and managing financial operations. We want to see how your skills align with what Gateways School is looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about working in a not-for-profit education environment. Let us know how you can make a difference at Gateways School.
Showcase Leadership Skills:Since this role involves leading a finance team, be sure to showcase your leadership experience. Share examples of how you've successfully managed teams or projects in the past. We love to see strong leaders!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application directly. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Gateways School community.
How to prepare for a job interview at Gateways School
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Financial Controller, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've managed budgets, forecasts, and cash flow in previous roles. This shows you’re not just familiar with the numbers but can also apply them strategically.
✨Understand the Education Sector
Since this role is within a not-for-profit education environment, it’s crucial to understand the unique financial challenges schools face. Research Gateways School and be prepared to discuss how your experience can help support their long-term financial sustainability and non-fee income generation.
✨Show Leadership Skills
You’ll be leading a finance team, so highlight your leadership experience. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams, improved processes, or navigated challenges. This will demonstrate your capability to inspire and guide others in a collaborative environment.
✨Prepare Questions for Stakeholders
Engage with your interviewers by preparing insightful questions about the school's financial strategies and governance. This not only shows your interest in the role but also your proactive approach to understanding how you can contribute to their mission.
