At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and manage non-teaching functions in a high-performing school.
- Company: Join a dynamic school committed to excellence and innovation.
- Benefits: Influential role with significant scope and direct partnership with leadership.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a supportive, ambitious environment.
- Why this job: Shape financial strategy and operational effectiveness in education.
- Qualifications: Experience in education finance and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced Finance & Resources Director, with strong leadership and management experience, or the potential to operate effectively at senior leadership level, to provide strategic and operational leadership across all non-teaching functions within a high-performing school.
The successful Finance Director will bring strong financial and commercial acumen, with the ability to lead multiple operational areas, manage risk, and drive effective resource planning at a senior level.
This is a pivotal, high-impact role, working closely with the Principal and Board as a trusted strategic partner, helping to shape the school’s financial and operational direction.
The Finance Director Role
- Lead the school’s financial strategy, long-term planning, and resource allocation
- Provide high-quality financial insight and analysis to inform strategic decision-making
- Ensure robust financial control, compliance, and governance frameworks
- Lead all non-teaching functions, including finance, HR, IT, facilities and support services
- Oversee procurement, contracts, and supplier relationships, ensuring value and efficiency
- Partner with the Principal and Board to support strategic priorities and organisational performance
What We’re Looking For
- Proven experience in a school, academy or education setting
- Strong leadership and management experience, or the potential to operate effectively at senior leadership level
- Strong understanding of education funding, compliance, and regulatory frameworks
- Excellent financial planning, analysis, and reporting capability
- The ability to influence decision-making and operate at a strategic level
- Highly organised, with strong attention to detail and the ability to prioritise effectively
- Confident communicator, comfortable engaging with senior leadership and board-level stakeholders
- A proactive, solutions-oriented approach, with the credibility to operate as a key member of the leadership team
The Opportunity
- A senior leadership role with significant scope and influence
- Direct partnership with the Principal and Board
- The opportunity to shape both financial strategy and operational effectiveness
- A dynamic, ambitious environment with a clear focus on excellence
Finance Director employer: Labnus Search
Contact Detail:
Labnus Search Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who have experience in finance roles. A personal recommendation can make all the difference when you're aiming for that Finance Director position.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the school’s financial strategies and challenges. Show us you understand their needs and how you can contribute to their success. Tailor your responses to highlight your relevant experience in managing resources and compliance.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, send a thank-you email to express your appreciation and reiterate your enthusiasm for the role. It keeps you on their radar and shows your proactive approach.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got a streamlined process that makes it easy for you to showcase your skills and experience. Plus, it ensures your application gets the attention it deserves from our hiring team.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in finance and leadership within an educational setting. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Finance Director, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Strategic Thinking: In your written application, emphasise your ability to provide strategic financial insight and analysis. We’re looking for someone who can influence decision-making at a senior level, so share examples of how you've done this in the past.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured documents that are easy to read. Use bullet points where necessary to make your key achievements stand out!
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 the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Labnus Search
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Finance Director, you’ll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics relevant to the school sector, such as funding models and compliance regulations. Be ready to discuss how you've used financial data to drive strategic decisions in previous roles.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
This role requires strong leadership capabilities. Prepare examples of how you've led teams or projects in the past, particularly in non-teaching functions. Highlight your ability to influence decision-making and how you’ve fostered collaboration among diverse stakeholders.
✨Understand the Educational Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the current challenges and opportunities in the education sector. Be prepared to discuss how you can align financial strategies with the school’s educational goals. This shows that you’re not just a numbers person but also understand the broader context.
✨Engage with Strategic Thinking
The interview will likely focus on your strategic vision for the school’s financial future. Think about how you would approach long-term planning and resource allocation. Prepare to share your thoughts on effective governance frameworks and how they can enhance operational performance.