Head of Finance

WINCHESTER COLLEGE; Winchester; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious educational institution in Winchester seeks a Head of Finance to lead day-to-day operations and ensure a robust financial control environment. The role involves overseeing a team, managing budgeting, and providing strategic financial insights to senior leadership. Candidates must be qualified accountants with at least 5 years of experience, and possess strong leadership and communication skills. This full-time position offers a competitive salary range of £70,000 - £80,000 based on qualifications and experience.

Benefits

Flexible start date

Career development opportunities

Competitive salary

Qualifications

• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, or equivalent) with at least 5 years of post-qualification experience.
• Substantial experience in managing finance teams outside of private practice.
• Demonstrated experience in budgeting, forecasting, and financial modelling.
• Excellent analytical skills to inform and influence senior stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation of monthly reporting and termly management accounts.
• Manage and motivate the Finance Team of 8, handling recruitment and appraisals.
• Oversee financial systems to maintain a robust control environment.
• Advise senior leadership on financial risk, compliance, and policy development.

Skills

Leadership

Planning

Communication

Education

Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, or equivalent)

5 years of post‑qualification experience

Tools

AccountsIQ

Lightyear

Pleo

Bankline

Job description

Winchester College seeks to appoint an exceptional and strategically minded Head of Finance to this newly created leadership role. This is a pivotal position within a well-established department, responsible for leading day‑to‑day finance operations and ensuring a robust financial control environment. As the College expands from 750 to 900 pupils, and following its recent merger with The Pilgrims' School, the successful candidate will have the opportunity to enhance established processes and develop the finance team to support this growth. The Head of Finance acts as a key adviser to the Director of Finance, delivering timely, insightful reporting to inform decision‑making. The role reports to the Director of Finance and acts as a vital link between the finance team and the Senior Management Team (SMT). The role is wide‑ranging, encompassing staff management, financial and management accounting, cash flow, compliance, and budgeting.

Key Responsibilities

• Financial Strategy & Reporting
  • Leadership in the preparation of monthly reporting for budget holders and termly management accounts for the Finance Committee.
  • Production of high‑quality financial reports, analysis, and commentary for internal and external stakeholders, including Board papers.
  • Key role in the annual budgeting and forecasting cycle, long‑term planning, and the financial oversight of capital development projects.
  • Assistance to the Director of Finance in developing and implementing financial strategies that support the College's educational and commercial goals.
• Operational Oversight
  • Team leadership: manage and motivate the Finance Team of 8, handling recruitment, appraisals for 5 direct reports, and professional training.
  • Core operations: ensure efficient and accurate operations across billing, purchasing, and credit control.
  • Systems & controls: oversee financial systems and processes to maintain a robust control environment and accurate records.
  • Payroll & pensions: manage the payroll process and pension arrangements, ensuring full compliance with HMRC reporting and payment requirements.
  • Treasury management: manage banking relationships and cash flow to ensure the optimal distribution of cash reserves and accurate recording of investment income.
• Governance & Compliance
  • Statutory reporting: oversee the annual audit and corporation tax processes, preparing statutory accounts in accordance with Charities SORP and FRS 102.
  • Taxation: produce and submit quarterly VAT returns, including partial exemption calculations and capital goods scheme considerations.
  • Advisory: advise senior leadership on financial risk, compliance, and policy development.

Essential Qualifications & Experience

• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, or equivalent) with at least 5 years of post‑qualification experience (PQE).
• Leadership: substantial experience in managing finance teams outside of private practice.
• Planning: demonstrated experience in budgeting, forecasting, and financial modelling.
• Communication: excellent analytical skills with the ability to inform and influence senior stakeholders.

Desirable Experience

• Sector background: experience within the independent school, charity, or not‑for‑profit sectors.
• Investment management: knowledge of endowments and investment management.
• VAT: specific experience with partial exemption VAT and capital goods scheme.
• Systems: familiarity with AccountsIQ, Lightyear, Pleo and Bankline (or similar platforms).

Personal Attributes

• Collaborative leadership: proactive leader who engages effectively with both academic and operational colleagues.
• Positive & flexible: confident motivator who can mentor staff at all levels and adapt to the needs of a busy school environment.
• Integrity: committed to the College's values, educational mission, and the highest standards of discretion.

What We Offer

• Start date: flexible start date for the right candidate; preference for commencement as soon as possible.
• Hours of work: full‑time, 37.5 hours per week, plus additional hours as required to meet the demands of the role.
• Salary: competitive salary between £70,000 - £80,000 per annum, commensurate with qualifications and experience.

How to Apply

Only applications completed on the school website will be accepted. Please attach a full CV with your application. Applications will be dealt with as they arrive; Winchester College reserves the right to appoint before the deadline passes. Closing date for applications: midnight, Monday 11 January 2026. Interviews are expected to be held during the week of 19 January 2026. If you have any questions about this vacancy or the recruitment process, please email [e-mail]. The College will be closed from 24 December – 2 January, so any enquiries received during this time will be reviewed in the week of 5 January.

Diversity and Inclusion

Winchester College is a truly international community that celebrates everyone's individuality, talents and potential and offers regular training and career development opportunities. We embrace diversity and inclusion in the workplace and are committed to promoting a fair and supportive environment for all our employees. We work hard to create a culture where different perspectives are valued and our staff feel valued for their individuality and share a sense of belonging. Our aim is to reflect the diverse nature of society and of our pupil body.

Safeguarding

Winchester College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers, and obtaining an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Services certificate. Staff will receive appropriate safeguarding training which is regularly updated.

Sustainability

Both staff and pupils at Winchester College are committed to being the most sustainable school possible.