Head of Finance

Are you looking for your next senior finance role in a well-resourced, forward-thinking organisation? St. Edward’s in Oxford is seeking a skilled and hands-on Head of Finance to lead its finance operations and team. If you enjoy working in a fast-paced, varied environment where your expertise directly supports operational and strategic decision-making, this could be the opportunity you have been looking for.

About the Role

This is a central leadership position within the school’s Bursary, responsible for overseeing a team of six and the full range of financial activity—from day-to-day operations through to longer-term planning. Reporting to the Director of Finance, you will take ownership of management accounts, budgeting and forecasting, payroll oversight, cashflow, audit preparation, VAT and Tax, and regulatory reporting. The school’s operations are diverse and complex, with an annual turnover of approximately £40 million and activities spanning education, estates, catering, IT, commercial ventures and fundraising. You will be working closely with senior leaders and departmental managers to provide clear, timely financial insight that supports effective planning and delivery.

About You

You will be a professionally qualified accountant with substantial experience in financial management, ideally in a similarly broad and complex setting. You will need to be confident managing multiple workstreams and leading a team, but equally comfortable rolling up your sleeves. A background in the independent or education sector is welcome but not essential. What’s important is that you combine strong technical capability with sound judgement, a calm and organised approach, and the ability to work effectively with colleagues from across the organisation.

Why St. Edward’s?

This is a rare opportunity to join a successful school with the scale and complexity to keep things interesting, but without the relentless pressure of the corporate world. As a senior member of a friendly, capable team, you will be given space to lead, freedom to improve systems, and support to develop your own career. St Edward’s is committed to the professional development of all its staff and seeks to encourage ambition and career progression. The school has a strong track record of internal progression and invests in high-quality infrastructure and people. Based in North Oxford, St. Edward’s offers the best of both worlds—challenge and reward in a beautiful setting, just minutes from the city centre.

We also offer:

• 30 days’ annual leave, plus bank holidays
• Free membership to the Nuffield Health Fitness and Wellbeing Gym
• Free meals during term time
• Support for CPD and further qualifications
• A friendly and inclusive working environment
• Free car parking
• Cycle to work scheme
• Employee assistance programme
• Defined contribution pension scheme with Scottish Widows (The standard employee contribution rate is 5% with the employer contributing 8%)

St Edward’s is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and we aim to create and maintain a safe environment for our pupils, where they feel respected and supported. We expect all staff to share this commitment and to become familiar with our policies and procedures for child protection and security. All staff are required to apply for an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service.

St Edward’s School is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on age, race, sex, religion, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic. Please see our Equal Opportunities & Dignity at Work policy on our website for further details.