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- Tasks: Lead finance, operations, HR, and risk management in a prestigious school.
- Company: Well-established independent school in Halifax with a strong leadership team.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, significant influence, and long-term career stability.
- Other info: Opportunity to work closely with governors and senior stakeholders.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the school's future and shape its operational success.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience and strong financial awareness required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 ÂŁ per year.
This isn't a narrow finance role – and it's not a purely operational one either. This is a senior leadership position within a well–established independent school, offering the opportunity to take real ownership of the organisation's financial and operational functions at a pivotal point in its development. The role sits on the Leadership Team and works closely with the Head and Governors, taking responsibility for finance, operations, HR, risk, compliance and estates. The breadth is significant, the expectations are high, and the impact is meaningful. This position is fully office–based in the Halifax area.
The role: Reporting to Governors via the Head, you will play a key part in shaping and delivering the School Development Plan and ensuring the school remains financially sustainable, operationally sound and strategically aligned. Your responsibilities will include:
- Leadership of Finance, IT, HR and Operations functions
- Preparation of annual budgets, 3–year forecasts and long–term business plans
- Providing financial insight and management information to senior leadership and governors
- Oversight of payroll, asset management and financial policies
- Leadership and development of business support teams
- Acting as a member of the Finance, Audit & Risk Sub–Committees
- Ownership of risk management, audit, health & safety and regulatory compliance
- Acting as the key liaison with statutory and regulatory bodies
- Strategic oversight of estates, buildings, grounds and facilities
- Supporting capital projects, contracts, lettings and long–term planning
This is an all–round leadership role – combining hands–on delivery with strategic input.
What they're looking for: The school is open to individuals from different professional backgrounds, provided they bring the credibility, judgement and leadership style required at this level. You may come from a strong finance–led background, or from a broader operational or commercial leadership role. You'll ideally demonstrate:
- Senior leadership and management experience
- Strong financial awareness and understanding of organisational drivers
- Confidence engaging with senior stakeholders, boards or governors
- Experience operating in complex, high–expectation environments
- The ability to lead teams, manage risk and deliver change
- Excellent communication, organisation and decision–making skills
- Absolute discretion and professionalism
- Experience in an educational setting is desirable but not essential.
Salary & structure: The salary reflects the breadth of the role and is structured as follows:
- GBP65,000 – GBP80,000 for candidates bringing a strong finance background and the ability to lead the financial strategy directly
- GBP60,000 – GBP65,000 for candidates whose strengths sit more heavily in operations, governance and leadership, with finance supported at a senior level
In both cases, this remains a senior, trusted position within the Leadership Team.
Why this role stands out:
- Key leadership role with genuine influence
- Broad remit across finance, operations, HR, risk and estates
- High visibility with senior leadership and governors
- Long–term, stable opportunity within a respected institution
- Significant scope to shape how the organisation operates
If you're looking for a senior role with substance, responsibility and long–term impact – this is well worth a conversation.
Bursar / Director of Finance & Operations employer: Headstar
Contact Detail:
Headstar Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Bursar / Director of Finance & Operations
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector or finance world. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the school’s values and recent developments. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their goals. Remember, they want to see your leadership style and how you can contribute to their vision.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your background in finance or operations makes you the perfect fit for this role. Highlight your achievements and how they relate to the responsibilities listed in the job description.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our platform.
We think you need these skills to ace Bursar / Director of Finance & Operations
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Bursar / Director of Finance & Operations role. Highlight your relevant experience in finance, operations, and leadership, and show us how you can make a real impact at our school.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: This role is all about leadership, so don’t hold back! Share examples of how you've led teams, managed risk, and delivered change in previous positions. We want to see your confidence and ability to engage with senior stakeholders.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read and understand.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Don’t miss out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Headstar
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Bursar or Director of Finance & Operations, you’ll need to demonstrate strong financial awareness. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've managed budgets, forecasts, and financial strategies in your previous roles.
✨Showcase Leadership Experience
This role is all about leadership, so prepare examples that highlight your experience in managing teams and driving change. Think about specific situations where you’ve led a project or initiative that had a significant impact on your organisation.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
You’ll be working closely with senior stakeholders, including governors. Practice articulating your ideas clearly and confidently, and be prepared to discuss how you’ve successfully engaged with boards or senior leadership in the past.
✨Understand the Educational Landscape
While experience in an educational setting isn’t essential, it’s beneficial. Familiarise yourself with current trends and challenges in education finance and operations. This will help you speak knowledgeably about how you can contribute to the school’s development plan.