Head of Finance

Head of Finance for leading Surrey boarding school

ACA/ACCA/CIMA qualified accountant

Client Details

One of the UK's leading day and boarding schools based in Surrey are looking to recruit a Head of Finance candidate on a permanent basis.

To assist the Director of Finance and Operations (DFO) in the financial management of the School and to lead and oversee the financial functions of the School together with its subsidiary companies and the Foundation. This is an excellent opportunity to play a significant part in the management and leadership the School at an exciting time as a new strategic plan is developed. The Head of Finance leads the Finance Department comprising the Senior Finance Officer, Billing Officer and Finance Assistant - Purchasing and Payroll.

Description

Reporting to the DFO, this is a hands-on and varied role. The successful candidate will play a key role ensuring a robust financial control environment is maintained and processes are as efficient as possible.

The successful candidate will be able implement change to achieve best practice throughout the school.

They will be a strong communicator, collegial, decisive, and have sound problem-solving skills.

He/she will be a qualified accountant, with strong technical skills and knowledge, who works positively with other professionals.

They will have to demonstrate leadership, flexibility and tact and enjoy working as part of a team with all members of the school community.

Lead and manage the school Finance team, including overseeing day-to-day processes, communication, motivation, succession planning and performance management.

Ensure regular performance reviews are carried out and appropriate professional development is undertaken for all team members.

Advise the DFO on the optimal structure and resources for the Department

Supporting the DFO in the preparation of annual budgets, working with all budget holders to ensure submissions are accurate and timely, challenging where necessary, leading on departmental budget setting.

Working closely with the DFO and Director of Estates to support the financing and budgeting for maintenance programme and building projects.

Liaise with budget holders supporting them with managing spend against budgets and objectives.

Assist the Governors, Head and DFO in implementing the School's strategic financial objectives.

Ensure financial systems and controls are efficient and effective.

Prepare monthly management accounts, including narrative on performance against budget, and forecasts for the financial year.

Prepare required papers for, and attend and contribute to, the Governors' Resources Committee.

Prepare long-term forecasts and sensitivity analysis, undertaking modelling and feasibility studies as appropriate.

Undertake competitor analysis and benchmarking studies.

Maintain continuous professional development and keep up to date with regulatory changes.

Proactively investigate and promote ways of improving value for money.

Prepare analysis of financing options for major capital projects.

Profile

Experience in leading a finance team.

Calm, positive and measured whilst under pressure.

A considered and confident decision maker.

The ability to lead and manage people to work towards a common goal.

The ability to blend firmness, patience and empathy when dealing with difficult situations.

The ability to convey financial matters to non-specialists.

ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualified

In depth knowledge of FRS102, the preparation of annual accounts and detailed audit file

Good knowledge of VAT.

Working knowledge of corporation tax.

Experience of working in schools or charity sector.

Knowledge of the Charities SORP.

Job Offer

The Head of Finance will be auto enrolled into the appropriate pension scheme, which includes life assurance.

free lunch is available in the dining room each working day when the kitchens are open.

There is free parking on site

There is free parking

There are staff gym and pool sessions

Subject to Governors' discretion school fee remission may be available for dependants of the job holder attending the school.

If not already at the school, any child would have to meet all of the normal entrance requirements.