Finance Officerwww.aldwickbury.org.ukHarpenden,  AL5 1ADCandidate InformationLocation: Harpenden, HertfordshireFixed-term, Full-time PositionPart-time applications welcome1Welcome to AldwickburyWe are seeking to appoint an approachable, organised, andeffective Finance Officer with excellent communication skillsand a collaborative mindset.This is an exciting time to join Aldwickbury, as we begin ourtransition to a co-educational setting and prepare to open ournew Nursery year in September 2026. We are proud to extendthe same standard of academic excellence, holistic curriculum,and broad range of opportunities to future Prep school girls thatAldwickbury boys have enjoyed for generations.I hope you will consider becoming part of our wonderful schooland vibrant staff team. Please note that we will be reviewingapplications as they are received and may close the recruitmentprocess early if the right candidate is found.Paul Symes Headmaster Thank you for your interest in joiningAldwickbury School. I hope this candidateinformation pack gives you a genuine sense ofthe warm, inclusive, and positive environment weoffer. If successful, you’ll be joining a dedicatedand passionate team, committed to excellenceacross all areas of school life.We are immensely proud that Aldwickbury has been awarded the prestigious title of Independent Boys’ School of theYear at the highly regarded Independent School of the Year Awards. Even more significantly, we are the first-ever PrepSchool to win this category.This incredible achievement is a testament to the unwavering dedication and hard work of our entire team, and theirability to ignite the passion for learning across all aspects of the school. It is also a testament to the boys’ enthusiasm forembracing opportunities and rising to challenges - qualities that help make Aldwickbury such a special community.Central to this success is our strong team ethos and the invaluable support of our parents, governors, and wider schoolcommunity. Together, we have built an inspirational environment where pupils are not only happy, but also challenged,kind, and able to flourish as their authentic selves.Introduction to Aldwickbury School2Aldwickbury is an independent day and flexi-boarding Pre-Prep and Prep School for children aged 4-13, located in 20acres of grounds on the outskirts of Harpenden in Hertfordshire. From September 2026, Aldwickbury is excited to beopening a Nursery for children aged 3-4 years old, extending the opportunity to be part of this outstanding school.Operated as an Educational Trust, the School is administered by a Board of Governors and is a member of theIndependent Association of Prep Schools (IAPs).At Aldwickbury School, we inspire children to develop a love of learning, empowering them to try their best, embracechallenges, be themselves, and seize opportunities that come their way. Our approach focuses on nurturing the individualpotential of each child, ensuring they feel supported in a safe and stimulating environment. Our award-winning educationis built on strong values, a deep sense of community and a culture of care that runs through every part of school life. Aldwickbury is a non-selective school with an emphasis on personal and academic growth. We encourage pupils to takerisks, celebrate their successes, and learn from their mistakes, and we are incredibly proud of the value we add to theireducation. Through our dedicated staff, we aim to provide an outstanding experience that prepares pupils for their nextstages in education at a wide range of excellent senior schools.Independent Boys’ School of the Year 2024Our EthosOur community is one where all staff should feel supported, where kindness connects us as ‘one team’. We work with passion todeliver an outstanding education for the pupils.  Our culture is one of integrity, respect and high ambition, underpinned by a growth mindset. We are encouraged throughendeavour and self-reflection to develop, grow and support each other’s wellbeing and happiness . 3The RoleMain Duties and ResponsibilitiesJob Title:Accountable to:Job Purpose:Finance OfficerDirector of Finance and Operations (DFO)The Finance Officer plays a key role in ensuring the financial integrity and sustainability of theschool. This position is responsible for leading core accounting functions, preparing statutory andmanagement reports, supporting strategic financial planning, and ensuring compliance withregulatory and charitable reporting standards. The role also contributes to operational efficiency andsupports the wider school community through collaborative engagement and financial expertiseFinancial Reporting and Compliance:Prepare monthly management accounts for Operating Income and Expenditure, and Capital Expenditure,including variance analysis for the School and its subsidiariesProvide regular updates to cashflow forecasts and identify future financial trendsPrepare the School's accounts for audit, including Statements of Financial Activity (SOFA) and Balance Sheets inaccordance with the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP)Assist in producing consolidated annual accountsEnsure timely and professional communication with Companies House, the Charity Commission, HMRC, andother regulatory authorities, ensuring compliance with SORP requirementsManage tax and VAT matters, including submission of statutory returns and escalation of complex issues to theDFO or external advisorsAdvise the DFO, Head, Senior Management Team, and Chair of the Finance Committee on financial mattersOperational Finance and Support:Collaborate with external auditors, preparing for annual and interim audits and supplying required evidenceMaintain accurate and appropriate accounting recordsManage banking facilities and loans to ensure cost efficiency and minimise bank and interest chargesContribute to annual and long-term budget planning and forecasting, including departmental budgetsPrepare periodic financial reports for the Bursar, Headmaster, Chair of the Finance Committee, and GoverningBoardProvide strategic input to future financial investment decisions alongside the DFOManage returns to the Charity CommissionReview, prepare, and record all necessary journals for accruals and prepayments4Main Duties and Responsibilities (continued)Monitor utility usage and lead contract negotiations at renewalReconcile all company credit cards, ensuring appropriate evidence is provided for all purchasesSupport the DFO in managing insurance policy requirements and renewalsGeneral Duties and School Engagement:Maintain accounting records and systems (fees, creditors, nominal ledger) according to timetables and proceduresin the absence of the Finance AdministratorSupport the payroll function as required by the DFOParticipate in school meetings, working parties, induction, training, and INSET as requiredDemonstrate commitment to ongoing professional development through formal and external means, and theschool’s performance management schemeStay informed of financial developments in the educational sector, particularly reporting requirements under theCharities SORPPromote the ethos of the School with all stakeholders including staff, pupils, parents, governors, and businesspartnersSupport less experienced members of the team in their ongoing development, as directed by the DFOAdditional Information:Aldwickbury is committed to continuous improvement. All staff are expected to actively participate in school activitiesand embrace a flexible, forward-thinking approach. While every effort has been made to outline the key duties of this role, additional responsibilities may be assigned asneeded and updated in line with the evolving needs of the school. Person Specification - Essential CriteriaQualifications and Experience:Professional accounting qualification (e.g. ACA, ACCA, CIMA) or equivalent experienceProven experience in financial reporting, budgeting, and audit preparationDemonstrable experience in managing VAT, tax, and statutory returnsSkills and Knowledge:Strong understanding of financial systems, controls, and accounting principlesProficient in producing management accounts and cashflow forecastsExcellent IT skills, including advanced Excel and familiarity with accounting softwareAbility to interpret and apply regulatory requirements (e.g. Charity Commission, HMRC)5Person Specification (continued)Personal Qualities:High level of accuracy and attention to detailStrong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to advise senior stakeholdersProactive and solution-focused approach to financial managementCommitment to professional development and continuous improvementAbility to work collaboratively and support less experienced team membersDesirable:Experience working within a charitable or educational organisation, with knowledge of Charities SORPFamiliarity with school finance operations and fee systemsExperience in managing insurance policies and utility contractsUnderstanding of governance and reporting requirements for subsidiariesExperience in payroll administration or oversightTerms of AppointmentHours of work:Contract:Salary:Benefits:Monday to Friday, 37.5 hours per week From time to time, there may be a need to work additional hours to meet the needs of the schoolroutine, but prior notice will be given in good time, and be mutually agreed in advanceFixed-term 6 month contract, Full-time (or part-time by agreement)The school offers a competitive salary reflecting the significance of this position and is dependenton experienceHoliday entitlement of 15 days for the contract duration, plus statutory bank holidaysContributory pension schemeFree on-site parking Use of the School’s facilities at times allocated to staff, including the swimming pool and sports hallCycle to work schemeEmployee Assistance ProgrammeInterview and Application ProcessTo apply, please use the following link: Finance Officer..Early application is advised, as applications will be considered as they are received and we reserve the right to appointat any time in the process.The closing date for applications is 21 November 2025.  Interviews will be arranged with the shortlisted candidates.stThank you for your interest in joining Aldwickbury School.Aldwickbury School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The school aims to provide a safe and nurturing environment where all pupils are happy and can be themselves. Aldwickbury expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.