Strategic Head of Finance – Education

Huntress - Bracknell; England; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Huntress is supporting an independent school trust in the appointment of a Head of Finance. This key leadership role reports to the Bursar and provides financial direction across the Trust, ensuring robust controls, accurate reporting and strong financial management.

The Head of Finance will lead a finance team, oversee budgeting, forecasting, cash flow, payroll and year-end processes, and will provide insight to support strategic decisions for Governors and leadership.

Qualifications

• Professionally qualified accountant with significant financial management experience.
• Strong track record in management accounts, budgeting, forecasting and financial planning.
• Experience leading audits, statutory reporting and managing a finance team.

Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation of management accounts, reporting and variance analysis.
• Oversee annual budgeting, rolling forecasts and long-term financial planning.
• Provide financial analysis and modelling to support operational and strategic decisions.
• Oversee cash flow, treasury, and internal controls.
• Manage payroll, pension processes, fee billing, income collection and debt management.
• Lead year-end accounts process and liaise with external auditors.
• Support the Bursar and leadership team with financial information for strategic projects.

Skills

ACA/ACCA qualification

Financial leadership

Management accounts

Budgeting & forecasting

Education

ACCA/ACA qualified

Tools

ERP/Finance system

Job description

Huntress is supporting an independent school trust in the appointment of a Head of Finance. This key leadership role reports to the Bursar and provides financial direction across the Trust, ensuring robust controls, accurate reporting and strong financial management.

The Head of Finance will lead a finance team, oversee budgeting, forecasting, cash flow, payroll and year-end processes, and will provide insight to support strategic decisions for Governors and leadership.