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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a finance team, manage budgets, and oversee financial operations in a dynamic school environment.
- Company: Join St. Edward’s, a successful school with a supportive and inclusive culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days annual leave, free gym membership, and professional development support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in education while enjoying a balanced work-life in beautiful North Oxford.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with experience in financial management and team leadership.
- Other info: Opportunity for career progression in a friendly, diverse workplace.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 ÂŁ per year.
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 encourages 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.
Head of Finance in England employer: St Edward's School
Contact Detail:
St Edward's School Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance in England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who have experience in education or similar environments. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your financial knowledge and leadership skills. Be ready to discuss how you've managed complex financial operations and led teams effectively. We want to see your confidence shine through!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your personality! When you apply through our website, make sure your application reflects not just your qualifications but also your passion for education and teamwork. We love candidates who fit our friendly culture.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in leaving a positive impression. It shows you're genuinely interested in the role and appreciate the opportunity to chat with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance in England
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 financial management experience and any relevant qualifications to show us you’re the right fit.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re passionate about this role and how your background makes you the perfect candidate. Be genuine and let your personality come through.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this role involves leading a team, don’t forget to mention your leadership experiences. Share examples of how you’ve successfully managed teams or projects in the past to give us confidence in your abilities.
Apply Early!: We encourage you to apply as soon as possible. The sooner we see your application, the better! Head over to our website to submit your application and take the first step towards joining our fantastic team.
How to prepare for a job interview at St Edward's School
✨Know Your Numbers
As the Head of Finance, you'll need to demonstrate a solid grasp of financial metrics. Brush up on key figures related to budgeting, cash flow, and forecasting. Be ready to discuss how you've managed these in previous roles, as well as any specific challenges you've faced.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
This role involves leading a team, so it's crucial to highlight your leadership experience. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams, resolved conflicts, or improved processes. Think about how you can inspire and motivate others, especially in a complex environment like a school.
✨Understand the Educational Landscape
While a background in education isn't essential, having a good understanding of the sector will set you apart. Research St. Edward’s and its operations. Be prepared to discuss how financial management can support educational goals and enhance student experiences.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street, so come armed with insightful questions. Ask about the school's financial strategies, challenges they face, or how they measure success. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.