At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and management, ensuring robust systems and controls.
- Company: St Catherine's, a community-focused independent school.
- Benefits: Generous pension, 25 days holiday, fee remission for daughters, and health cash plan.
- Other info: Opportunity to modernise systems and contribute to community values.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the school's future while leading a dynamic finance team.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with senior leadership experience and strong financial acumen.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 80000 £ per year.
The Head of Finance will work closely with the COO, Heads and Governors, providing strategic financial leadership and ensuring robust financial management across the School. This role offers the opportunity to modernise systems, strengthen controls and contribute to the School's future development.
Responsibilities
- Strategic financial leadership: long-term planning, scenario modelling and insightful reporting.
- Financial management & control: budgeting, forecasting, cash flow, investments and audit oversight.
- Payroll leadership: managing payroll and pensions, ensuring compliance and process improvement.
- Compliance & governance: meeting all regulatory, charity and financial obligations.
- VAT & taxation: leading VAT processes, advising on tax implications and overseeing Gift Aid.
- Debtor management & family liaison: ensuring fair, supportive engagement with families and careful management of bursary/hardship funds.
- Team leadership: managing and developing a team of four finance professionals.
Qualifications
- Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
- Senior financial leadership and line management experience.
- Strong understanding of financial systems, controls, governance and compliance.
- Strategic, improvement-focused and confident influencing at senior level.
- Committed to the values, community and safeguarding responsibilities of St Catherine's.
- Desirable: experience in independent schools or multi-entity charities, knowledge of Gift Aid, experience with school MIS/finance systems.
Remuneration: £72,000–£80,000 (Full-time, 0.8 considered, Permanent).
Benefits
- Generous pension scheme (up to 12% employer contribution).
- 25 days' holiday plus Bank Holidays.
- Fee remission for daughters attending the school.
- Health Cash Plan.
- Lunch provided during term time.
- On-site parking and Cycle to Work scheme.
Head of Finance in Bramley employer: St Catherine's School
St Catherine's offers an exceptional work environment for the Head of Finance, where you will play a pivotal role in shaping the financial future of the School. With a strong commitment to employee development, a generous benefits package including a substantial pension scheme and fee remission for staff children, and a supportive community culture, this position not only promises professional growth but also the chance to make a meaningful impact in the lives of students and families. Located in a vibrant educational setting, you will enjoy a collaborative atmosphere that values innovation and strategic thinking.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance in Bramley
✨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 the school’s values and recent developments. Tailor your answers to show how your experience aligns with their mission and goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss how you’ve successfully managed teams and improved financial processes in previous roles. We want to see your impact!
✨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 about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance in Bramley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Head of Finance role. Highlight your strategic financial leadership and any relevant experience in independent schools or charities.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're passionate about this role and how you can contribute to our community. Be sure to mention your commitment to safeguarding and compliance, as these are key values for us.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this role involves managing a team, share examples of how you've successfully led finance teams in the past. We want to see your ability to develop others and drive improvements.
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to apply through our website. This way, we can easily track your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at St Catherine's School
✨Know Your Numbers
As the Head of Finance, you'll need to demonstrate a strong grasp of financial metrics. Brush up on key financial concepts like budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow management. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed these areas in previous roles.
✨Showcase Strategic Thinking
This role requires strategic financial leadership, so come prepared with examples of long-term planning and scenario modelling. Think about how you can modernise systems and strengthen controls, and be ready to share your vision for the future development of the School.
✨Understand Compliance Inside Out
Compliance and governance are crucial in this position. Familiarise yourself with relevant regulations and charity obligations. Be prepared to discuss how you've ensured compliance in past roles, especially regarding VAT, taxation, and audit oversight.
✨Team Leadership Matters
You'll be managing a team of finance professionals, so highlight your leadership experience. Share specific examples of how you've developed teams, improved processes, and fostered a supportive environment. This will show that you're not just a numbers person but also a great leader.
