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- Tasks: Lead the finance function and ensure financial sustainability for a vibrant school community.
- Company: Gateways School, an outstanding independent school in North Leeds.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension scheme, flexible working, and free lunches.
- 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 50000 - 60000 £ 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.
As Financial Controller, you will lead the school's finance function and play a central role in supporting its long-term financial sustainability:
- 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
- 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 on-site parking
- Salary sacrifice electric car scheme
- Cycle to work scheme
For further information or a confidential discussion, please contact Catherine Hill, retained recruitment partner at Hays Senior Finance.
Banking / Finance Administrator in Leeds employer: Hays
Contact Detail:
Hays Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Banking / Finance Administrator in Leeds
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance and education sectors. Attend local events or webinars, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Gateways School and its financial operations. Understand their values and how you can contribute to their mission. We want you to show them that you’re not just another candidate, but someone who genuinely cares about making a difference.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You’ll want to clearly articulate your experience in budgeting, forecasting, and managing financial teams. We suggest doing mock interviews with friends or mentors to get comfortable talking about your skills and achievements.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we’re always on the lookout for passionate individuals who want to join our community and make an impact in the education sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Banking / Finance Administrator in Leeds
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 the education sector and how you can contribute to the school's financial sustainability. Let us see your personality and enthusiasm!
Showcase Leadership Skills: Since this role involves leading a finance team, make sure to showcase your leadership experience. Talk about how you've managed teams in the past and any improvements you've implemented. We love seeing candidates who can inspire others!
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 that you're keen on joining the Gateways School community. We can't wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays
✨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 effectively.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
This role involves leading a finance team, so be prepared to share examples of your leadership experience. Talk about how you've motivated teams, improved processes, or handled conflicts. Highlighting your ability to lead will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Understand the Education Sector
Familiarise yourself with the unique financial challenges faced by not-for-profit educational institutions. Research Gateways School and its mission. Being able to discuss how your skills can contribute to their long-term financial sustainability will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Prepare Questions for Stakeholders
Since this role involves partnering with senior stakeholders, come prepared with insightful questions. Ask about their vision for non-fee income generation or how they assess the financial viability of school activities. This shows your proactive approach and genuine interest in the role.