Director of Finance

Hays; London; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading organization seeks a School Finance Specialist to oversee financial management and strategy for a group of schools in London. This role involves collaborating with senior leaders, managing budgets, and ensuring compliance with financial regulations, all aimed at improving educational outcomes.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in financial leadership, ideally in education or public sector.
• Strong knowledge of compliance and statutory finance regulations.
• Detail-oriented with excellent communication and decision-making skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic and operational financial management across the federation.
• Manage annual budgets, forecasting, payroll, and compliance.
• Support fundraising and income generation initiatives.

Skills

Financial leadership

Compliance knowledge

Strategic insight

Communication

Collaboration

Job description

School finance specialist?

Your new organisation
Working with a group of schools in central London

Your new role
Reporting directly to the Executive Headteacher and working closely with senior leaders, governors, and local authorities, you'll play a pivotal role in shaping the future success of the schools.

• Lead strategic and operational financial management across the federation
• Develop and implement financial strategies aligned with school improvement priorities
• Attend senior leadership and governor meetings, ensuring high standards of governance and transparency
• Manage annual budgets, forecasting, payroll, statutory returns, and procurement
• Oversee financial compliance, value for money, and risk management
• Support fundraising, lettings, and income generation initiatives
• Contribute to staffing structure reviews and workforce planning in partnership with HR and office teams
• Safeguard personnel and financial records in line with data protection and regulatory requirements

What you'll need to succeed

• Proven experience in financial leadership, ideally in education or public sector settings
• Strong knowledge of compliance, statutory finance regulations, and HR processes
• Strategic insight paired with a hands-on, detail-oriented approach
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and decision-making skills
• A values-driven mindset committed to improving outcomes for children

Please note that this role will be office-based.