School Financial Controller - PART TIME, TERM TIME

St Ambrose Preparatory School; Winchester; On-site; GBP 21,000; Part time

Job summary

A prestigious independent school in Hampshire seeks a School Financial Controller to manage financial operations and ensure compliance with statutory obligations. The role involves budgeting, financial forecasting, and producing management accounts. Candidates should hold relevant finance qualifications with experience in educational finance preferred. The position offers flexible hours, a supportive work environment, and opportunities for professional development.

Benefits

Subsidised school fees for staff children

Enhanced pension

On-site parking

Supportive work environment

Qualifications

• Relevant accounting or finance qualifications are essential.
• Experience in managing school finances is preferred.
• Strong in budgeting, forecasting, and financial compliance.

Responsibilities

• Manage the day-to-day operation of the finance function.
• Produce management accounts and financial information.
• Ensure compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements.
• Oversee budgeting and cash flow management.

Skills

Accounting qualifications

Financial management

Budgeting and forecasting

Education

Finance or Accounting degree

Job description

School Financial Controller – St Ambrose Preparatory School, Hale Barns, near Altrincham

‘Where Individual Attention Nurtures Academic Excellence’.

131 pupils (Ages 3–11).

20 hours per week, 39 weeks per year plus 5.6 weeks paid holiday. FTE = SCP 27 £38,220, Actual salary £20,118 per annum.

Monday key requirement – flexibility for remaining hours.

PLEASE APPLY VIA THE APPLICATION FORM ON OUR WEBSITE: https://stambroseprep.co.uk/staff-vacancies/

Key Responsibilities

We are seeking a suitably qualified and experienced finance professional to take responsibility for the day‑to‑day operation of the finance function within our welcoming and high‑achieving Catholic independent prep school. With 131 exceptionally well‑behaved pupils, you will be joining a small team dedicated to strengthening the operational efficiency of our school to support outstanding pupil outcomes.

Reporting to the School Business Manager and the Head, the postholder will be professionally accountable for ensuring that all financial processes operate effectively, accurately, and in compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements. The role will produce high‑quality management accounts and financial information to support decision‑making.

The successful candidate will hold relevant accounting or finance qualifications and will play a key role in maintaining strong financial controls, robust systems, and efficient financial operations across the school.

This role will work closely with the School Business Manager, who retains overall accountability with the Head for the school’s financial position, governance, and long‑term financial sustainability.

• Budgeting and forecasting
• Preparation of management accounts
• Cash flow management and monitoring
• Payroll and pensions administration
• Coordination of audits and liaison with auditors
• Billing, income collection, and management of external funding
• Procurement and purchase ledger management
• VAT compliance and adherence to statutory obligations, including tax regulations and compliance with Charity Commission and other legal requirements

What We Offer

• A warm and supportive staff environment, where you will be valued and respected across our school community.
• High academic standards; pupils who are eager to learn and professional, supportive colleagues.
• Subsidised school fees for children of staff.
• Enhanced pension.
• On‑site parking and a conveniently accessible central location in Hale Barns.
• The opportunity to positively impact the future of a thriving independent school.

How to Apply

Please complete the application form and provide a covering letter outlining how your skills and experience align with the job specification to [e-mail] by Wednesday, 7th January 2026. Please explain any gaps in employment and how your skills and experience fit the role. Although CVs can be considered to support your application, applications must be via the school application form, to adhere to Safer Recruitment guidelines.

To adhere to safer recruitment guidelines CV's alone via Indeed or direct cannot be considered. This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Amendment Order 1986 and will be necessary for a Submission for Disclosure to be made to the DBS to check for any previous criminal convictions.

St Ambrose Preparatory School is committed to the safeguarding and welfare of children and young people and expects all of our employees to share this commitment.