Head of Finance and HR [Bursar] in Cardiff

Head of Finance and HR [Bursar] in Cardiff

Cardiff Full-Time 50000 - 65000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Gosfield School

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead finance and HR operations, manage budgets, and ensure compliance.
  • Company: Gosfield School, a vibrant independent school in Essex.
  • Benefits: Highly competitive salary and the chance to shape school finances.
  • Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and development.
  • Why this job: Join a leadership team and make a real impact on education.
  • Qualifications: Management accountant experience and formal accountancy qualification required.

The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.

Gosfield School, a thriving Independent School near Halstead in Essex, is seeking to appoint a Bursar to join the school’s leadership team. The ideal candidate will be an experienced management accountant with an exceptional work ethic and the flexibility required to work within a small non-teaching team and lead the finance team. The successful applicant will sit on the school’s Finance, Grounds and Premises and Safety and Compliance Committees and will be a member of and work closely with the school’s Senior Leadership Team.

Experience with Sage or similar accounting systems and a formal accountancy qualification are essential.

Finance Responsibilities:
  • Budget Management and Forecasting
  • Financial Accounting
  • Production of Management Accounts
  • Treasury Management
  • Financial Compliance
  • Procurement and Expenditure
  • Oversee Payroll and Fee Billing
  • Oversee stock control
  • Overseeing the school uniform shop

Bursarial Duties will also be undertaken or overseen by the successful applicant. These include liaison with external HR advisors, working closely with the school's admissions team, employment contract lead and IT and Estates teams. Close liaison with the school's SLT when parental issues arise is also an expectation.

Gosfield School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers and the DBS.

For details and an application form, contact Mrs Sara Bowles, EA to Principal.

Deadline for applications: Noon, Friday 28 March 2025

Interviews: w/c 31 March 2025

Start Date: June 1st or by negotiation

*Please Note to avoid disappointment applicants are encouraged to apply prior to the deadline as we reserve the right to consider applications as they are received and to appoint prior to the deadline.

Seniority level: Director

Employment type: Full-time

Job function: Finance and Sales

Industries: Education

Head of Finance and HR [Bursar] in Cardiff employer: Gosfield School

Gosfield School offers a supportive and collaborative work environment, where the Head of Finance and HR will play a pivotal role in shaping the financial and operational strategies of the school. With a commitment to employee development and a focus on safeguarding, this position provides an opportunity to make a meaningful impact within the educational sector while enjoying a highly competitive remuneration package. Located in the picturesque Essex countryside, the school fosters a culture of teamwork and innovation, making it an excellent employer for those seeking a rewarding career in finance and education.

Gosfield School

Contact Details:

Gosfield School Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Finance and HR [Bursar] in Cardiff

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 Gosfield 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 Head of Finance and HR [Bursar] in Cardiff

Management Accounting
Budget Management
Financial Accounting
Production of Management Accounts
Treasury Management
Financial Compliance
Procurement and Expenditure

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 Gosfield 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 Gosfield 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 Gosfield 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 Gosfield 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 Gosfield 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 Gosfield 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.