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- Tasks: Lead the finance function and ensure financial sustainability for a vibrant school community.
- Company: Join Gateways School, a prestigious independent school in North Leeds.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, pension, flexible working, and free lunches.
- Other info: Work in a beautiful campus with modern facilities and great career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in education while developing your finance career.
- 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. All third-party applications will be forwarded to Hays Senior Finance.
Finance Controller - Banking in Leeds employer: Hays
Contact Detail:
Hays Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Controller - Banking in Leeds
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector or finance world. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Gateways School and its values. Show us how your financial expertise aligns with their mission to provide quality education. We love candidates who are genuinely interested!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how you can lead the finance function and support long-term sustainability. We want to hear about your past successes and how they can benefit the school.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always on the lookout for passionate finance professionals like you!
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Controller - Banking 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 Experience: Since this role involves leading a finance team, make sure to showcase any leadership experience you have. Talk about how you've managed teams or projects in the past and the positive impact you've made. 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 that you’re keen on joining our community at Gateways School. 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 relevant to the education sector, such as budgeting and forecasting. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed these areas in previous roles.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
This role involves leading a finance team, so be prepared to share examples of your leadership style. Think about times when you've motivated your team or improved processes. Highlight your ability to collaborate with senior stakeholders and drive financial sustainability.
✨Understand the Education Sector
Familiarise yourself with the unique financial challenges faced by not-for-profit educational institutions. Research Gateways School and its mission, and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals and how you can contribute to their financial viability.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions that show your interest in the role and the school. Ask about their current financial strategies, challenges they face, or how they measure success in the finance department. This will demonstrate your genuine interest and proactive mindset.