Senior Finance Manager - Fixed Term

Haberdashers' Elstree Schools; Elstree; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A respected educational institution in Elstree is seeking a Senior Finance Manager to oversee financial operations. The role demands a qualified accountant with at least three years of experience in finance management, preferably within education. The position offers a competitive salary and a range of benefits including professional development opportunities and access to onsite sports facilities.

Benefits

Private Pension Scheme through Aegon

Life insurance cover

Professional development training

Free lunch and refreshments

Access to sports facilities

Cycle-to-Work Scheme

Qualifications

• Minimum three years' post-qualification experience leading a finance function.
• Proven track record in charity, education, or similar settings.
• Strong understanding of financial regulations and reporting standards.

Responsibilities

• Oversee financial operations ensuring accuracy and compliance.
• Lead budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting.
• Manage billing and debt control with professionalism.

Skills

Financial management

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Excel proficiency

Education

Qualified accountant (CIMA, ACCA, or ACA)

Job description

About this Role

Lochinver House School is a thriving independent boys' preparatory school situated in Little Heath on the outskirts of Potters Bar, Hertfordshire. Educating boys aged 3 to 13, the school has a proud tradition of academic and pastoral excellence. In September 2025, Lochinver House joined the Haberdashers' Elstree family of schools, marking an exciting new chapter in its development.

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Finance Manager to oversee all financial operations at Lochinver House School. This interim role is pivotal in ensuring robust financial management during a period of transition, providing strategic insight, operational excellence, and trusted leadership across all aspects of finance. This is an excellent opportunity for a qualified finance professional to contribute meaningfully to a leading preparatory school and the wider Haberdashers' Elstree Schools community.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the financial operations of Lochinver House School, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and efficiency across all finance processes.
• Provide clear financial advice and analysis to the Headteacher, Governors, and the Haberdashers' Elstree Schools senior team.
• Lead budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting, producing management accounts and annual financial statements.
• Model scenarios for pay and fee proposals, long‑term planning, and potential strategic developments.
• Manage billing, bursary applications, donations, and debt control with professionalism and sensitivity.
• Oversee capital expenditure and VAT applications.
• Support and provide coverage for the Finance Manager at Lochinver House School.
• Develop and implement improvements in financial controls, reporting, and efficiency.

About You

• Qualified accountant (CIMA, ACCA, or ACA) with at least three years’ post‑qualification experience and a proven track record of leading a finance function, ideally within a charity, education, or similar setting.
• Strong technical knowledge of financial management, regulations, and reporting standards.
• Excellent analytical skills, with experience in scenario modelling and financial forecasting.
• High‑level proficiency in Excel and accounting software.
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and advise at all levels.
• A calm, methodical approach to debt management and parent communications.
• The ability to work independently, managing priorities and deadlines with initiative and professionalism.

What we offer

• A competitive salary, commensurate with the candidate’s experience
• Private Pension Scheme through Aegon
• Additional life insurance cover
• Access to the Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), providing confidential support and advice
• Financial assistance for obtaining further qualifications
• Extensive professional development training opportunities
• Free lunch and refreshments
• Free onsite parking and access to travel on the school’s extensive coach network
• Free access to state‑of‑the‑art sports facilities including the gym, swimming pool, and fitness classes
• Well‑being initiatives and programmes, such as yoga, mindfulness sessions, and health checks
• Access to an online GP service, providing quick and convenient healthcare advice
• Access to Vivup, the staff benefits platform, featuring discounts, financial advice, and wellbeing resources
• Cycle‑to‑Work Scheme and other green travel incentives including Octopus Electric Vehicles

Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and we reserve the right to close this vacancy early. Please apply as soon as possible. Haberdashers' Elstree Schools are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check. The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.