At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and management for a vibrant school community.
- Company: St Catherine's, a supportive and values-driven educational institution.
- Benefits: Generous pension, 25 days holiday, fee remission, health plan, and on-site perks.
- Other info: Join a collaborative environment with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in education while leading a dynamic finance team.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with senior leadership experience and a passion for community.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ 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.
Key areas of responsibility include:
- 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.
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 Guildford employer: St Catherine's School
St Catherine's is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. As the Head of Finance, you will benefit from a generous pension scheme, ample holiday allowance, and unique perks such as fee remission for your daughters attending the school, all while contributing to a community-focused environment dedicated to safeguarding and educational excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance in Guildford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who have experience in education or charities. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the school’s financial practices and values. Show us you understand their mission and how your strategic financial leadership can make a real difference. Tailor your examples to highlight your experience in budgeting and compliance.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation. It keeps you on their radar and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for a smoother process! We love seeing candidates who take the initiative. Plus, it gives you a chance to showcase your understanding of our community and values right from the start.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance in Guildford
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 budgeting, forecasting, and compliance to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about finance in an educational setting and how your values align with ours at St Catherine's. Be genuine and let your personality come through.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As we’re looking for someone to lead a team, make sure to highlight your previous leadership experiences. Share examples of how you've developed teams and improved processes in your past roles to demonstrate your capability.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our values there!
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 you've implemented. Think about how you can align financial strategies with the school's goals and be ready to share your insights.
✨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 and how you would approach it at St Catherine's.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Debtor management and family liaison are key responsibilities. Think about how you can foster supportive relationships with families while managing finances. Prepare to share your experience in stakeholder engagement and how you can bring that to the school community.
