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- Tasks: Lead finance, operations, HR, and risk management in a prestigious independent school.
- Company: Respected independent school in Halifax with a strong leadership team.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, long-term stability, and the chance to shape organisational operations.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a dynamic educational environment.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact in a senior role with genuine influence and responsibility.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience, strong financial awareness, and excellent communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
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 in London employer: Headstar
Contact Detail:
Headstar Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Bursar / Director of Finance & Operations in London
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the education sector! Attend events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out to current or former employees of the school. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
When you get the chance to chat with decision-makers, make sure to highlight your leadership experience. Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed teams or projects, especially in high-pressure environments. We want to see that you can handle the heat!
✨Prepare for the Interview
Do your homework on the school and its current challenges. Be ready to discuss how your skills can help shape their financial and operational strategies. We love candidates who come prepared with insights and ideas that show they’re genuinely interested in making an impact.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we often have additional resources and tips available there to help you stand out in the process.
We think you need these skills to ace Bursar / Director of Finance & Operations in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for this role. Highlight your leadership experience and how it aligns with the responsibilities mentioned in the job description. We want to see how you can bring your unique background to the table!
Showcase Your Financial Savvy: Since this role involves significant financial oversight, be sure to include specific examples of your financial management skills. Whether it's budgeting, forecasting, or compliance, we want to know how you've successfully navigated these areas in your previous roles.
Demonstrate Leadership Experience: This isn't just about finance; it's a leadership position! Share instances where you've led teams or projects, especially in high-expectation environments. We’re keen to see how you’ve made an impact in your past roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Don’t miss out on the chance to join our team!
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 acumen. 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 come prepared with examples of how you've led teams and driven change. Think about specific situations where your leadership made a significant impact, especially in complex environments.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
You'll be working closely with senior stakeholders, including governors and the Head. Prepare to discuss how you've successfully engaged with similar groups in the past, focusing on your communication style and ability to build relationships.
✨Understand the Educational Landscape
While experience in education isn't essential, having a grasp of the unique challenges and opportunities within the sector can set you apart. Research the school and its development plans, and be ready to share your insights on how you can contribute to their goals.