Head of Finance Transformation

Head of Finance Transformation

Full-Time 56700 - 69300 £ / year (est.) On-site
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead finance transformation projects and drive continuous improvement across the Repton Group.
  • Company: Join a prestigious school with a rich history and a commitment to excellence.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, pension scheme, free sports centre membership, and cycle to work options.
  • Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for travel and collaboration across multiple schools.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on finance systems and processes in a growing educational environment.
  • Qualifications: Qualified accountant with experience in finance projects and process improvements.

The predicted salary is between 56700 - 69300 £ per year.

Location: Repton School, with occasional travel to Repton Prep and other UK Family of Schools

Contract: Permanent, year-round role

Hours: Full-time - 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday between the hours of 8.30 am to 5.30 pm. Occasional out of hours/evening/weekend work may be required.

  • Pension scheme
  • Cycle to Work
  • Free Sports Centre membership

This is an exciting opportunity to lead finance transformation across the Repton Group during a period of growth, integration and continuous improvement. Reporting to the COO, the Head of Finance Transformation will be responsible for identifying, developing and delivering a programme of strategic finance projects that support the Group's operational, educational and financial objectives. Acting as the lead for finance change and continuous improvement, the postholder will work closely with the Head of Operational Finance and other senior stakeholders to ensure that systems, processes, controls and reporting capabilities are fit for purpose, scalable and aligned across the Group.

The role will lead finance-related projects from concept through to implementation, including acquisitions, mergers, system implementations, process redesign, automation initiatives and organisational change. The successful candidate will ensure that new schools are successfully integrated into Group systems and processes, whilst also driving improvements across existing operations.

The postholder will combine strong finance knowledge with excellent project management and stakeholder engagement skills and will have a proven track record of delivering complex change programmes and measurable business improvements. The role is primarily based at Repton; however, occasional travel to other UK schools within the Repton Group will be required.

Main Responsibilities

  • Finance Transformation Strategy
    • Develop and maintain a Finance Transformation Strategy and roadmap aligned to the Group's strategic objectives.
    • Identify, evaluate and prioritise transformation opportunities that deliver measurable operational, financial and organisational benefits.
  • Systems Development and Integration
    • Lead the implementation, optimisation and development of finance systems and associated technologies.
    • Identify opportunities to improve efficiency through automation, digitisation and better use of technology.
  • Process Improvement
    • Review existing finance processes and identify opportunities for improvement, simplification and standardisation.
    • Design and implement scalable finance processes capable of supporting future growth.
  • Financial Control and Governance
    • Support the development and implementation of an effective financial controls framework across the Group.
    • Lead projects that strengthen governance, compliance and risk management processes.
  • School Integration and Growth
    • Lead finance integration activities relating to mergers, acquisitions and new schools joining the Group.
    • Manage the migration of schools onto Group finance systems and processes.
  • Collaboration and Stakeholder Management
    • Work in partnership with the Head of Operational Finance to ensure transformation initiatives align with operational priorities and business needs.
    • Collaborate with finance teams across the Group to identify opportunities for improvement, standardisation and efficiency.

The Ideal Candidate

  • Essential
    • Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
    • Experience of leading finance projects, systems implementations, process improvements or organisational change initiatives.
    • Experience of reviewing and improving finance processes, controls and reporting.
    • Experience of delivering projects from planning through to implementation and successful adoption.
    • Experience of working collaboratively with finance and operational colleagues to deliver change and continuous improvement.
    • Strong understanding of finance systems, financial controls and management reporting.
    • Experience of managing multiple priorities and delivering work to agreed deadlines.
  • Desirable
    • Experience within the education, independent school, charity or not-for-profit sectors.
    • Experience of school integrations, acquisitions, mergers or organisational change programmes.
    • Experience of implementing finance systems, reporting tools or business intelligence solutions.
    • Relevant project management or change management qualification.

About Repton School: Repton is the ancient capital of Mercia, and the School, founded in 1557 from a bequest from Sir John Port of Etwall, was established on the site of a 7th century Anglo-Saxon Benedictine abbey and latterly a 12th century Augustinian priory and the School today incorporates many of the original buildings from the estate. The School has over one thousand pupils across the Prep and Senior School, making it large enough to achieve excellence in and out of the classroom, yet small enough for individuals to grow and succeed. Repton and Repton Prep have always enjoyed a very close relationship and in 2020, the schools became a through-school. At Repton Senior, each pupil, whether day or boarding, is a member of a House. Academic standards are high and creative activities, including music, art, drama and design, flourish. The School has a national profile in sport, in particular in football, hockey, cricket and swimming. Our pupils thrive both in and out of the classroom and they develop the skills, qualities and values that will lead to a successful life. Repton was one of the first British schools to set up overseas schools with the establishment of Repton School Dubai in 2007, and the development of a community of international schools is key to Repton's future vision. Currently, Repton has schools in Dubai (2), Abu Dhabi (2), China, and Egypt, with plans to open a further four more over the next few years. Repton also includes five schools in the UK (Repton, Repton Prep, St Wystan's, Vinehall and Marlborough House) with the ambition to grow its UK family of schools.

Head of Finance Transformation employer: Repton School

Repton School is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises safety and customer service within its Sports Centre. With flexible hours and opportunities for professional development, employees can thrive in a supportive environment while making a meaningful impact on the community. Located on-site, the role of Lifeguard allows you to engage with pupils and visitors, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all.

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Contact Details:

Repton School Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Finance Transformation

✨Tap into Campus Networks

If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.

✨Get Certified

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We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance Transformation

Qualified Accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)
Finance Project Management
Systems Implementation
Process Improvement
Financial Controls Framework Development
Stakeholder Engagement
Collaboration with Finance Teams

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.

Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Repton School.

Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.

Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Repton School's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Repton School

✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills

Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Repton School.

✨Prepare for Case Studies

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✨Show Your Passion for Finance

Since this is a full-time position, employers at Repton School will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.

✨Network with Industry Professionals

Before your interview, reach out to current or former Repton School employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.