At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance and accounting for a prestigious school group during an exciting expansion phase.
- Company: St Albans School, renowned for academic excellence and a commitment to safeguarding.
- Benefits: Full-time role with a supportive environment and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a diverse team dedicated to creating an inclusive workplace.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in education finance while working in a dynamic and inclusive setting.
- Qualifications: Professional accountancy qualification and significant experience in senior management accounting.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
St Albans School is a leading independent day school with an outstanding reputation for academic excellence. Reporting to the Bursar, this role offers an exciting opportunity to join the School during a period of expansion. The successful candidate will lead the Finance and Accounting department of the St Albans School Group, which includes Beechwood Park School, the Woollam Trust and Abbey Gateway Enterprises, and will have scope for growth as the overall team’s remit evolves.
Key responsibilities include:
- Providing accurate financial advice, guidance and analysis to support strategic decision‑making within the group;
- Overseeing the full budgeting and management accounts process;
- Preparing statutory accounts;
- Managing audit, taxation, VAT and regulatory compliance;
- Ensuring effective financial systems, policies, controls and operational accounting procedures are maintained;
- Managing fee and bursary processes;
- Supporting procurement and commercial income opportunities, including lettings activities across the group.
The ideal applicant will hold a recognised professional accountancy qualification and have significant post‑qualification experience in a senior management accounting role. They will possess knowledge of tax law, PAYE, VAT, benefit‑in‑kind regulations and charity status requirements. Strong analytical, organisational and communication skills, combined with leadership capability, commercial awareness, and a high level of integrity, are essential. Experience within the charity sector and/or an independent school environment would be advantageous.
Contract: Full time, 37.5 hours per week. The position will be based at the St Albans School site, with a regular presence required at the sites of associated entities. The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening and safer recruitment checks appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service. St Albans School is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity and the creation of an inclusive environment for all employees. Employment selections are made according to suitability for the post, irrespective of background or protected characteristic.
Finance Director employer: The Society of Heads
St Albans School is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters professional growth and development within the education sector. With a commitment to academic excellence and a strong focus on safeguarding, employees benefit from a supportive culture that values diversity and inclusion. The Finance Director role presents a unique opportunity to lead a dedicated team during a period of expansion, with ample scope for career advancement and the chance to make a meaningful impact across the St Albans School Group.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education and finance sectors. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the school and its financial practices. We want you to show that you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in how St Albans School operates. Tailor your answers to reflect their values and needs.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You’ll want to clearly articulate your experience and how it aligns with the role of Finance Director. We suggest rehearsing with a friend or in front of a mirror to boost your confidence and ensure you hit all the key points.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the position. We recommend mentioning something specific from your conversation to make it personal and memorable.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Finance Director role. Highlight your professional accountancy qualifications and any relevant experience in the charity sector or independent schools.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for St Albans School. Mention your leadership capabilities and how you can contribute to the school's financial strategy during this exciting period of expansion.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:Since the role involves providing financial advice and analysis, be sure to include examples of how you've used your analytical skills in past roles. This will demonstrate your ability to support strategic decision-making effectively.
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, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Society of Heads
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Finance Director, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive strategic decisions in previous roles. This shows you can provide the accurate financial advice they’re looking for.
✨Understand the School's Mission
Familiarise yourself with St Albans School’s values and mission. Be prepared to explain how your experience aligns with their goals, especially in the context of managing finances within an educational environment. This will show that you're not just a numbers person, but also someone who cares about the institution's impact.
✨Prepare for Compliance Questions
Given the role's focus on regulatory compliance, brush up on relevant tax laws, VAT regulations, and charity status requirements. Be ready to discuss how you've ensured compliance in past roles, as this will highlight your attention to detail and integrity.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
This position requires strong leadership capabilities. Think of examples where you've successfully led a team or managed a project. Be prepared to discuss your approach to mentoring and developing others, as well as how you handle challenges within a team setting.
