Head of Finance

Merchant Taylors' School; Greater London; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job description

Merchant Taylors’ School is recruiting a Head of Finance from August 2025 to succeed the current post-holder who is retiring. The successful candidate will report to the Bursar and the Finance Committee and lead a department of six experienced staff, including:

1. School Accountant
2. Accounts Manager
3. Payroll Manager
4. Accounts Payable Clerk
5. Accounts Receivable Clerk

The School is well placed to navigate the turbulence and volatility that has disrupted the sector this year. The School is in a stable financial position, with no debt and adequate cash reserves to cover short to medium-term economic challenges. Pupil numbers remain strong, despite the recent impact of VAT on school fees, and demand for places at both the Prep and Senior School remains high. In addition to the primary source of income through school fees, the School generates additional income by letting sports facilities through Merchant Taylors’ School Enterprises Ltd, which contributes towards bursary funding. This also provides significant public benefit and support to the local community.

The successful candidate will be a confident finance professional who is competent to manage a turnover of circa £30m using the School’s financial information system (WCBS PASS). This role will require effective leadership of the Accounts Team, ethical financial management, and the production of clear financial reports to the Board, in close liaison with the Bursar.

Diplomacy, communication skills, and professional standards will be required to ensure that appropriate financial standards are applied across the School.

A recognised professional qualification in accounting: ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or CIPFA is required, preferably with membership of a relevant professional body.

Also required is a minimum of 10 years of experience in financial management of a similar scale organisation.

Start date: 1 August 2025

Hours: Full-time role working 37.5 hours per week (8.30am - 5.00pm/Monday to Friday).

Salary: From £65,000 per annum dependent on skills, experience, and qualifications.

Applications to be submitted by 9.00am, Thursday 8 May 2025.

Interviews to be held at the School on Thursday 15 May and Friday 16 May 2025.

Please apply as soon as possible as shortlisting/interviews will progress up until the closing date. Should a suitable candidate be appointed, we reserve the right to close the advert early.

For more information and to apply, please visit our website via the apply button below.