Head of Finance and HR [Bursar] in England

Head of Finance and HR [Bursar] in England

England Full-Time 48000 - 72000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Gosfield School

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead finance and HR operations, manage budgets, and oversee compliance.
  • Company: Join Gosfield School, a vibrant independent school in Essex dedicated to student welfare.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary and the chance to shape a thriving educational environment.
  • Other info: Applications are encouraged early as positions may be filled before the deadline.
  • Why this job: Be part of a supportive leadership team making a real impact on students' lives.
  • Qualifications: Must have management accounting experience and a formal accountancy qualification.

The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.

Remuneration: Highly competitive based on experience

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:

  1. Budget Management and Forecasting
  2. Financial Accounting
  3. Production of Management Accounts
  4. Treasury Management
  5. Financial Compliance
  6. Procurement and Expenditure
  7. Oversee Payroll and Fee Billing
  8. Oversee stock control
  9. 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 schools admissions team, employment contract lead and IT and Estates teams. Close liaison with the schools 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

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Head of Finance and HR [Bursar] in England 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 England

Tip Number 1

Network with professionals in the education sector, especially those who have experience in finance and HR roles. Attend relevant events or join online forums to connect with individuals who might provide insights or even referrals for the Bursar position.

Tip Number 2

Familiarise yourself with the specific financial and HR challenges faced by independent schools. Understanding these nuances will help you demonstrate your knowledge during interviews and show that you're well-prepared for the role.

Tip Number 3

Research Gosfield School's values and recent developments. Tailoring your discussions around their mission and how your experience aligns with their goals can set you apart from other candidates.

Tip Number 4

Prepare to discuss your experience with Sage or similar accounting systems in detail. Be ready to provide examples of how you've used these tools to improve financial processes or compliance in previous roles.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance and HR [Bursar] in England

Management Accounting
Budget Management
Financial Forecasting
Financial Accounting
Production of Management Accounts
Treasury Management
Financial Compliance

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role:Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and qualifications required for the Head of Finance and HR position. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experience in management accounting and leadership.

Highlight Relevant Experience:In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your experience with budget management, financial compliance, and any previous roles that involved liaising with senior leadership teams. Mention your familiarity with Sage or similar accounting systems.

Showcase Your Skills:Demonstrate your exceptional work ethic and flexibility in your application. Provide examples of how you've successfully led finance teams or managed complex financial tasks in previous positions.

Prepare for Safeguarding Questions:Given the school's commitment to safeguarding, be prepared to address your understanding of child protection policies and your willingness to undergo necessary checks. This can be a crucial part of your application.

How to prepare for a job interview at Gosfield School

Showcase Your Financial Expertise

As a candidate for the Head of Finance and HR position, it's crucial to demonstrate your deep understanding of financial management. Be prepared to discuss your experience with budget management, forecasting, and financial compliance in detail, as these are key responsibilities of the role.

Highlight Your Leadership Skills

Since this role involves leading a small finance team and working closely with the Senior Leadership Team, emphasise your leadership experience. Share examples of how you've successfully managed teams, resolved conflicts, or implemented changes that improved efficiency.

Familiarise Yourself with Sage and Similar Systems

Given the requirement for experience with Sage or similar accounting systems, make sure you can discuss your proficiency with these tools. If possible, prepare to provide specific examples of how you've used such systems to enhance financial reporting or streamline processes.

Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions

Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities, especially regarding financial compliance and parental issues. Think through potential challenges you might face in the role and how you would address them, demonstrating your proactive approach and critical thinking skills.