Financial Controller

The Society of Heads; England; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading independent school is seeking an experienced Financial Controller to manage day-to-day financial operations and support strategic planning. The role involves budgeting, financial reporting, and stakeholder management. Ideal candidates must have strong leadership skills and financial acumen. The position offers a competitive benefits package including enhanced pension contributions and generous leave.

Benefits

Enhanced employer pension contribution

Generous holiday allowance

Free lunch

Cycle to Work Scheme

Electric Car Scheme

Qualifications

• Proven leadership and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience in financial management, budgeting, and reporting.
• Knowledge of safeguarding frameworks in education.

Responsibilities

• Lead the school’s finance function and management accounts.
• Oversee risk management and compliance with regulatory bodies.
• Manage audits and support non-fee income generation.

Skills

Leadership skills

Financial management

Budgeting

Communication skills

Excel proficiency

Tools

Financial software

Job description

We are looking to recruit an experienced Financial Controller to join our School as soon as possible.

Detail

Gateways School is a leading independent day school for around 500 pupils aged 2–18 years. Established in 1941, Gateways is situated on a 16 acre site in the beautiful village of Harewood and benefits from easy access to the Golden Triangle, the city of Leeds and the spa town of Harrogate.

Reporting to the Head, the Financial Controller is a critical senior member of staff at the school and plays a vital role in the school’s strategic planning.

Gateways is both happy and successful with a strong sense of community throughout. The school is flourishing in all areas with excellent academic standards and a broad range of extracurricular activities, all of which helps to ensure a strong pupil roll and healthy financial situation.

The post holder will be responsible for the effective leadership and management of the day-to-day finance function at the school and will also oversee risk management and the generation of non-fee income.

The successful candidate will be an individual of proven leadership ability, a strategic thinker, innovative and highly practical, displaying resilience and tenacity in equal measure, they will possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Exceptional financial acumen and robust commercial judgement will be essential.

Key Responsibilities include

• Lead the school’s finance function, including budgeting, forecasting, payroll, billing, credit control, and management account reporting.

• Prepare annual budgets and statutory accounts; lead monthly management accounts and termly billing.

• Oversee risk management, cash flow, and treasury functions.

• Manage audits, ensure compliance with the Charities Commission, HMRC, Companies House, and other regulatory bodies.

• Line-manage the Finance Department and support staff.

• Act as Company Secretary and oversee financial systems and contracts.

• Support non-fee income generation and monitor the financial viability of school activities and services.

Person Specification

• Proven leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.

• Proven experience in financial management, budgeting, and reporting.

• Advanced Excel and financial software proficiency.

• Experience in private education or charity sector financial management.

• Knowledge of school-specific regulatory and safeguarding frameworks.

Please view the full job description and person specification for this role for more information.

Start Date: As soon as possible.

Staff Benefits: Enhanced employer pension contribution of 5%, 4x death in service benefit, generous holiday allowance, access to a Staff Wellbeing Room, Free Lunch, Fee remission, Cycle to Work Scheme, Electric Car Scheme and access to an employee Assistance Programme (Health Assured)*.

To apply for this role, please send your completed application form along with a cover letter supporting your suitability for the role (no more than one side of A4) to [e-mail].

Should you require more details regarding a specific post, please contact Rhiannon Morris, PA to the Head on Tel: [phone] / E-mail: [e-mail].

Gateways School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of its students and expect all staff and volunteers to share the commitment. Appointments will be subject to an enhanced DBS with barred list check as well as a Prohibition List check (where applicable).

*Subject to eligibility.

Please note, we are handling recruitment for this role in-house and will not be accepting agency applications at this time - thank you for your understanding.

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