Head of Finance - eFinancialCareers : Job Details

An independent co-educational school based in London, the institution offers a high-quality education from junior through senior levels. With a strong focus on academic excellence, personal development, and a supportive community, the school strives to foster intellectual growth and prepare students for success in a rapidly changing world. The school is committed to providing a well-rounded experience, combining rigorous academics with a broad range of extracurricular opportunities. Through responsible financial management and continuous improvement, the institution ensures a sustainable and impactful educational environment for all its students.

Leadership and Management: * Team Leadership: Provide strong leadership to the Finance Team (5 direct reports, 1 indirect report), offering guidance and support. * Financial Risk Management: Minimize financial risk for the College by implementing effective controls and policies. * Stakeholder Engagement: Maintain robust communication with parents, staff, and external stakeholders about financial matters. * Continuous Improvement: Foster a culture of ongoing improvement within the finance function, ensuring efficiency and best practices. * Cash Management: Ensure effective cash management and payment processes are up to date and aligned with industry best practices. Financial Management and Reporting: * Annual Reporting: Assist the CFO in preparing the Group's annual report and financial accounts. * Budget and Forecast Management: Work closely with the Heads of the Senior and Junior Schools to manage budgets and monthly management accounts. * External Auditor Liaison: Act as a point of contact for the external auditors and ensure they have the necessary information to carry out their duties. * Quarterly Reporting: Provide quarterly financial information to the lending bank. * Financial Controls: Ensure that robust financial controls are implemented and regularly followed. * Cash Flow Management: Monitor cash flow and prepare monthly cash flow forecasts. * VAT Compliance: Ensure VAT returns are accurate and submitted in a timely manner. Finance and Payment Systems: * Compliance with Regulations: Ensure compliance with Payment Services Regulations. * System Development: Lead on the development and modification of financial systems as needed. Fee Billing and Collection: * Fee Billing: Oversee the fee billing process, ensuring accurate and timely invoicing of parents/carers. * Debt Collection: Lead on the fee collection process and ensure that debts are followed up and managed effectively. * Data Management: Ensure that data in the fee billing system is accurate, including details of fee payers and any remissions. * Debt Reporting: Regularly report to the Heads of Schools and CFO on the status of fee debtors. Expenditure Management: * Expenditure Oversight: Ensure accurate and timely processing of all expenditure and that it is properly recorded. * Fraud Prevention: Implement systems and procedures to protect against fraud and misuse of funds. Payroll and Pensions: * Payroll Oversight: Manage the payroll process across all Group entities, ensuring timely and accurate payroll reporting. * Compliance with Legislation: Ensure compliance with HMRC and relevant payroll and pension regulations, including the Teacher Pension Scheme and the Independent Schools Pension Scheme. * Pension Reporting: Oversee pension reporting to staff and relevant pension providers. General Responsibilities: * Child Safeguarding: Promote and safeguard the welfare of young children in line with the College's safeguarding policies. * Other Duties: Undertake other duties as required by the CFO, Head, or Board of Governors. * Professional Development: Stay informed about sector policies, regulations, and best practices through professional networks and other sources.

Essential Skills & Experience: * Strong financial management, reporting, and budgeting experience, ideally within an educational or non-profit setting. * Proven leadership and people management skills. * Expertise in financial systems, cash flow management, and financial controls. * Understanding of payroll and pension regulations (including HMRC and pension schemes). * Ability to engage with a wide range of stakeholders, including parents, auditors, and senior management. * Experience with fee billing, debt collection, and income management. * A proactive approach to process improvement and risk management. * Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal. Qualifications: * A recognized financial qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) is typically required. * Significant experience in a senior finance role, with a track record of leadership in a similar environment.