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- Tasks: Lead finance operations and team, overseeing budgeting, payroll, and financial reporting.
- Company: St. Edward’s School, a forward-thinking institution in Oxford.
- Benefits: 30 days annual leave, gym membership, free meals, and career development support.
- Why this job: Join a friendly team and make a real impact in a dynamic educational environment.
- Qualifications: Professionally qualified accountant with experience in financial management.
- Other info: Enjoy a beautiful setting with excellent career progression opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 ÂŁ per year.
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.
Head of Finance in Oxford employer: St Edward's School, Oxford
Contact Detail:
St Edward's School, Oxford Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance in Oxford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation thoroughly. Understand their financial operations, recent news, and challenges they face. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you’re genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the needs of the Head of Finance role. Highlight your leadership skills and how you can contribute to the school’s financial strategy.
✨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 take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the Head of Finance role. Highlight your financial management experience and any leadership roles you've held, as this will show us you're a great fit for our team.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re passionate about finance and how your background aligns with our mission at St. Edward’s. Be sure to mention any specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to lead and innovate.
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your past roles, focus on your achievements rather than just responsibilities. Use numbers and examples to illustrate how you’ve made a positive impact in previous positions—this helps us see the value you could bring to our school.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. This ensures your application gets to the right people quickly and allows us to keep track of all applicants efficiently. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our community!
How to prepare for a job interview at St Edward's School, Oxford
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Head of Finance, you’ll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics relevant to the school’s operations, like budgeting, cash flow management, and audit processes. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed these areas in previous roles.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
This role involves leading a team, so be prepared to share examples of how you've effectively managed and motivated others. Think about specific situations where you’ve had to roll up your sleeves and get involved, as well as times when you’ve guided your team through challenges.
✨Understand the Educational Landscape
While a background in education isn’t essential, having a grasp of the unique financial challenges faced by schools can set you apart. Research St. Edward’s and similar institutions to understand their financial structures and operational complexities, and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their success.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street, so come armed with insightful questions that show your interest in the role and the organisation. Ask about the school’s financial goals, challenges they face, and how the finance team collaborates with other departments. This will demonstrate your strategic thinking and genuine interest in contributing to their mission.