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- Tasks: Lead financial operations and provide strategic insights at Lochinver House School.
- Company: Join a prestigious independent preparatory school with a strong academic tradition.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, private pension, professional development, and wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact during an exciting transition in the school's journey.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with strong financial management and analytical skills.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and a supportive environment for career growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
Senior Finance Manager – Lochinver House School
Location: Split between Potters Bar, Elstree, and some remote working
Contract: Fixed term, 6–9 months
Hours: 3 or 4 days per week
Reports to: CFOO, Haberdashers’ Elstree Schools
About this Role
Lochinver House School is a thriving independent preparatory school situated in Little Heath on the outskirts of Potters Bar, Hertfordshire. Educating pupils aged 3 to 13, the school has a proud tradition of academic and pastoral excellence. In September 2025, Lochinver House joined the Haberdashers’ Elstree family of schools, marking an exciting new chapter in its development.
We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Finance Manager to oversee all financial operations at Lochinver House School. This interim role is pivotal in ensuring robust financial management during a period of transition, providing strategic insight, operational excellence, and trusted leadership across all aspects of finance.
This is an excellent opportunity for a qualified finance professional to contribute meaningfully to a leading preparatory school and the wider Haberdashers’ Elstree Schools community.
Key Responsibilities
- Oversee the financial operations of Lochinver House School, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and efficiency across all finance processes.
- Provide clear financial advice and analysis to the Headteacher, Governors, and the Haberdashers’ Elstree Schools’ senior team.
- Lead budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting, producing management accounts and annual financial statements.
- Model scenarios for pay and fee proposals, long-term planning, and potential strategic developments.
- Manage billing, bursary applications, donations, and debt control with professionalism and sensitivity.
- Oversee capital expenditure and VAT applications.
- Support and provide coverage for the Finance Manager at Lochinver House School.
- Develop and implement improvements in financial controls, reporting, and efficiency.
About You
The successful candidate will be a qualified accountant (CIMA, ACCA, or ACA) with at least three years’ post-qualification experience and a proven track record of leading a finance function, ideally within a charity, education, or similar setting.
You will have:
- Strong technical knowledge of financial management, regulations, and reporting standards.
- Excellent analytical skills, with experience in scenario modelling and financial forecasting.
- High-level proficiency in Excel and accounting software.
- Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and advise at all levels.
- A calm, methodical approach to debt management and parent communications.
- The ability to work independently, managing priorities and deadlines with initiative and professionalism.
What We Offer
- We offer a competitive salary, commensurate with experience, alongside a range of benefits designed to support your wellbeing and professional growth:
- Private pension scheme with generous employer contributions.
- Access to the Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) providing confidential advice and wellbeing support.
- Extensive professional development opportunities.
- Free onsite parking and access to travel via the school’s coach network.
- Complimentary lunches and refreshments during term time.
- Access to Vivup, our staff benefits platform offering discounts, financial advice, and wellbeing resources.
Be Part of an Exciting New Chapter
This is a unique opportunity to play a key role in strengthening the financial foundations of Lochinver House School as it embarks on its journey within the Haberdashers’ Elstree Schools family.
Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and we reserve the right to close this vacancy early. Please apply as soon as possible.
Haberdashers’ Elstree Schools are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check. The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
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Senior Finance Manager employer: Haberdashers' Elstree Schools
Contact Detail:
Haberdashers' Elstree Schools Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Finance Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who have experience in education or charity. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Lochinver House School and the Haberdashers’ Elstree Schools. Understand their values and financial goals so you can tailor your answers to show how you can contribute to their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your financial scenarios and modelling skills. Be ready to discuss how you've tackled similar challenges in the past. This will show you're not just a numbers person but also a strategic thinker.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Haberdashers’ community.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Finance Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Finance Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience, especially in financial management and education settings. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for Lochinver House School. Share specific examples of your achievements and how they relate to the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Since this role requires strong technical knowledge, make sure to mention your proficiency in Excel and accounting software. We love seeing candidates who can demonstrate their analytical skills and experience in financial forecasting.
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. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Haberdashers' Elstree Schools
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Senior Finance Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've used them in past roles. This shows you’re not just familiar with numbers but can also apply them strategically.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role requires strong leadership, so prepare examples of how you've led finance teams or projects. Think about times when you influenced decision-making or improved processes. Highlighting these experiences will show that you can provide the trusted leadership they’re looking for.
✨Prepare for Scenario Modelling Questions
Given the emphasis on scenario modelling in the job description, be ready to discuss specific scenarios you've modelled in the past. Bring examples of how your analysis impacted budgeting or forecasting decisions, as this will demonstrate your analytical skills effectively.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Outstanding communication is key for this role. Practice explaining complex financial concepts in simple terms, as you’ll need to advise non-financial stakeholders. Being able to convey your insights clearly will set you apart from other candidates.
