Candidate Brief
Head of Finance

FULL-TIME, PERMANENT
START ASAP

Located across two sites in central Guildford, Surrey, the Tormead family is a leading group of schools that includes
Tormead Prep (girls aged 4-11), Tormead Senior  & Sixth Form (girls aged 11-18) and Rydes Hill Pre-Prep and Nursery
School (children aged 2-7). Rydes Hill joined the Tormead family in 2025, with plans to gradually become fully co-
educational through to Year 6 by 2030. Tormead has long enjoyed a reputation for providing an excellent education and
exceptional pastoral care for girls and we are excited to be able to offer the same outstanding education at our Rydes Hill
campus to families looking for co-educational preparatory schooling in the Guildford and wider Surrey area.

Pupils across all three schools benefit from access to the outstanding facilities at Tormead such as a sprung-floor
gymnasium, multi-purpose Sports Hall, auditorium and lecture theatre, as well as the newly developed Urnfield Sports
Ground (opened September 2025) which boasts state-of-the-art facilities for hockey, cricket, football and athletics. A
shuttle bus operates between the Tormead and Rydes Hill campuses to support families with siblings across all three
schools and sibling fee discounts are available.

Tormead is a 4 to 18 GSA girls’ day school on an
attractive site in Guildford. Building developments over the
past ten years have transformed the School. The gracious
original features of the building have been retained within
the stunning new developments. Academic standards are
consistently high, and the School has more girls applying
than it has places for at 11+. A number arrive in Reception
and stay through to Sixth Form; others arrive from a large
range of state and independent schools at 11+.

Having participated in a dynamic careers programme,
Sixth Formers progress to a wide range of courses at
established universities, as well as take up prestigious
apprenticeships. The School achieved ‘excellent’ in both
parts of its last ISI inspection. Our commitment to IT
innovation has led us to achieve the status of becoming
an Apple Distinguished School.

Tormead values individuality, celebrates a diversity of
achievement and encourages girls to follow their own
dreams. Girls come to understand the importance of
service and community amidst mutual support. Academic
and extra-curricular pursuits offer challenge and breadth
for everyone.

Underpinning this is a wholehearted commitment to the
wellbeing of the girls. Highly responsive in the face of the
constant, shifting challenges for young people, pastoral
care at the School ensures the girls leave ready to achieve
sustainable success in higher education and beyond.

Tormead Values:

We treat everyone with respect and dignity

We deliver academic excellence

We enrich through a broad and varied curriculum

We celebrate effort and achievement

We bring out the best in our girls

We prepare our girls for life beyond school

Leadership:
The Head leads the whole school with the support of a
leadership team. The Executive Group (EG) consists of
the Head, Head of Prep School, Director of Finance and
Operations, Deputy Head (External Relations), Deputy Head
(Academic), Deputy Head (Partnerships) and Deputy Head
(Pastoral). The Senior Leadership Team includes the EG,
Designated Safeguarding Lead, Assistant Head (Director of
Studies), Head of HR and Head of Pre-Prep and Nursery.

School Structure:
The general pattern in the Prep School is one form in
Reception to Year 2 and two forms in Years 3 to 6. In the
Senior School, there are approximately 90 girls in each year,
divided into four teaching and five pastoral groups, with
teaching groups varying in size, as the girls start to make
subject choices. In Year 7, about 40 girls arrive from the
Prep School and about 50 come from a wide variety of state
and independent schools.

Curriculum:
The School offers an academic curriculum to meet the needs of its
selective intake. The School has embedded the High Performance
Learning programme over the last 18 months into every aspect of
school life across all age groups. The two-week timetable includes
several Independent Study periods for all girls in the Senior and
most in the Prep Schools, and individual investigation and enquiry
is promoted throughout the whole age range.

The Prep School encourages child-initiated and outdoor learning
opportunities, introducing more formal teaching as the girls get
older, with specialist teachers delivering specific subjects. A 1:1
iPad scheme operates for girls from Year 5 to Upper Sixth.

In the Senior School, most girls take 10 GCSEs and there is a
wide range of well-respected A Level subjects on offer, with large
numbers taking maths and science subjects. Sixth Formers can
take EPQ or an internal validation of a research project. The
Beacon Programme offers a structured co-curricular programme
of enrichment activities that runs challenges for girls around
specific termly themes. Academic Scholars have a further
programme of enrichment based on individual research. The
educational ethos is about exciting and inspiring individual
curiosity in every girl, and the School aims to blend an innovative,
creative use of modern technology with the highest standards of
teaching.

Pastoral:
Tormead has a well-deserved reputation for excellent pastoral
care. Relationships between staff and girls and between girls of
different ages are warm and strong. The atmosphere is one of
respectful informality, where thoughtful behaviour is based on
the School values, rather than lengthy rules and punishments.
The House system strengthens cross-age group relationships and
involves a number of much-anticipated annual events such as the
House Fashion and Dance competition.

There are many avenues of pastoral support for the girls with Form
Tutors and Heads of Year, overseen by the Deputy Head (Pastoral),
as well as pupil mentors, trained health care and pupil support
staff and a school counsellor.

Extra-Curricular:
An exciting and varied extra-curricular programme
operates for everyone, from Cheerleading Club
to Feminist Society. There is a strong range of
individual and team sports. The girls achieve
considerable success regionally and at national
level. Tormead is probably the top school in the
country for gymnastics.

The standard of performance music is high, with
a number of orchestral and choral groups for all
levels in both the Prep and the Senior Schools.
Drama performances are much anticipated by both
those involved and their audiences.

An important part of the girls’ school experience
is a regular offer of trips, both within the UK and
overseas. Links with schools abroad, including
a partnership with two Nepalese schools, are
building a global perspective on citizenship for
the girls. Sixth Formers can volunteer service
locally, once a fortnight, in school time.

Partnerships:
Tormead offers local outreach provision in six local state
schools.

This includes sessions in music and art, masterclasses in
English, IT and maths and Sixth Form assistance in sport,
art, English and dance.

Beyond the UK, girls raise funds for schools in Nepal and
there have been a number of cultural exchanges. The
School contributes to the UN Sustainable Development
Goals around global girls’ education.

The choir and orchestra perform regularly at local concerts
and services, and members of the local community are
invited to the School for concerts, plays and exhibitions.

The Site:
The School has made excellent use of a compact urban
site. Older buildings blend with stunning new-builds
on the Senior School site that provide the girls with
innovative spaces to learn, reflect, collaborate and relax.
A performing arts building provides an additional space
for drama lessons, performances and rehearsals, as
well as music lessons, rehearsals and practice rooms.
The School also benefits from state-of-the-art science
laboratories refurbished in 2022 and a Wellbeing Centre.
The Prep School occupies a site across the road from
the Senior School and KS1 facilities have had significant
recent investment, including creating a delightful outdoor
play space.

Our new Sixth Form Centre, opened in September 2022,
includes a new common room and café, lecture and
teaching spaces, dedicated study, collaboration and
social spaces, all designed to bridge the gap between
secondary education and university.

The School’s sports facilities on-site include a sports hall,
gymnasium, fitness suite, and outdoor netball and tennis
courts. In September 2025, we officially opened our new
Urnfield Sports Ground, developed in collaboration with
Guildford County School, which provides state-of-the-art
facilities for hockey, cricket, football and athletics.

Rydes Hill
Rydes Hill is a leading Pre-Prep & Nursery School in
Guildford, Surrey. We offer outstanding education and
pastoral care for children aged 2 to 7, combining academic
ambition with a nurturing, family-focused environment. We
believe that happy children thrive, and our warm, inclusive
atmosphere ensures every child feels valued and part of the
Rydes Hill family.

Head of Finance

We are looking for an experienced Finance Manager to
join the School at an exciting time in its evolution, as
we continue to deliver our ambitious plans for growth.
Reporting to the Director of Finance and Operations
(DFO), this pivotal role combines hands-on accounting
and strategic financial planning, management and
analysis with responsibility for the management of all
financial systems and process across the Tormead group
of schools. You will be responsible for transactional
accuracy and maintenance of a robust control
environment, ensuring the integrity of all internal control
processes, timely reconciliation and reporting. You will
lead and manage a highly experienced Finance team of
three, providing support, guidance and development.

Being flexible in responding to the changing needs of our
group of schools will be key. This role will suit a professional
who enjoys variety, autonomy, and contributing to a busy
and forward-looking group of schools. The ideal candidate
will be a qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIMA or
equivalent) and will have proven experience of financial
reporting, preparation of management accounts, payroll,
pensions and internal controls. Experience of working in an
educational environment or charity accounting experience is
not essential.

Our highly qualified teachers are dedicated to helping each
child grow into a caring, confident, and capable learner.
With a strong emphasis on personal development and
academic excellence, we lay the foundations for future
success and inspire a lifelong love of learning in every child.

In September 2025, Rydes Hill became part of the Tormead
family of schools, with plans to gradually become fully co-
educational through to Year 6 by 2030, starting with Year 3
in September 2027, followed by Year 4 in September 2028.

This is a full-time position working all year round. As the
leader of a critical team, there is an expectation to work
to the demands of the role, and the Head of Finance
also attends evening Governing Board Finance and
General Purpose committee meetings. You will also be
encouraged to get involved in the wider life of the School
where possible. A high level of flexibility, commitment and
dedication is required to properly fulfil the responsibilities
of the role. We offer a friendly and inclusive working
environment, and our benefits package includes a
salary of between £55,000- £60,000 commensurate with
experience, 5 weeks annual leave plus bank holidays,
professional development opportunities, free lunch when
school is in session, and free use of the school gym.

For more information and to apply for the role, please
contact Emma Mitchell, Head of HR
Emitchell@tormeadschool.org.uk or visit our website:
www.tormeadschool.org.uk

The closing date for applications is Tuesday 2 December
2025 at 9.00am. However, applications will be considered
in the order in which they are received, and the School
reserves the right to make an appointment prior to the
closing date should the ideal candidate(s) be identified.

Job Summary
To play a pivotal role in the financial management, planning,
control, and reporting of Tormead Limited. Reporting to the
DFO, this role leads the School’s finance function to ensure
transactional accuracy, maintenance of a robust control
environment, the integrity of all internal control processes,
and the timely reconciliation and reporting. To integrate
Rydes Hill School, which recently merged with Tormead, into
our family of schools and to drive efficiency improvements
across finance processes. To lead and manage a highly
experienced Finance team of three.

Main areas of responsibility
Relationships:
n  To lead and manage the Finance team, fostering a
professional and collaborative environment, and
provide support to enable them to carry out their
duties effectively and deliver the desired strategic
change projects.

n  Complete the financial integration of Rydes Hill into

the Tormead family of schools.

n  Apply a commercial mindset to revenue streams, cost

control, and resource allocation.

n  Support new initiatives and evaluate financial viability

of commercial ventures.

n  Work with the DFO and the Head of Estates to
establish a profitable lettings operation.

n  Prepare financial information for termly Governors

Finance and Full Council meetings.

n  Translate complex financial data into clear, actionable

insights for non-financial colleagues.

Operational Financial Management:

n  Drive automation and efficiency improvements

across finance processes.

n  Assist in the recruitment, training and appraisal of

n  Maximise value from integrated systems (iSAMS,

new team members as required.

iFinance, Every HR).

n  Ensure all Finance staff are fully trained in the use of

the accounting and related software.

n  Build strong relationships across academic and
operational teams, ensuring a high quality and
responsive service.

n  Provide cover for Finance colleagues during leave or

other periods of absence, as required.

Strategic Financial Management & Development:

n  Deliver actionable insights through enhanced

management reporting.

n  Cost and profitability analysis, including

benchmarking, to support decision making.

n  Use data analytics to identify trends, risks and

opportunities.

n  Support the DFO in the development of the financial
strategy, building and maintaining effective long-term
financial models through detailed scenario planning
and analysis.

n  Contribute to the development of School Financial

policies and procedures, ensuring these are
implemented.

n  Compile and submit quarterly VAT returns to HMRC

and ensure reporting processes are robust.

n

In conjunction with the Finance team, produce
monthly nominal ledger reconciliations, journals
and balance sheet reconciliations with supporting
documentation.

n  Produce monthly management accounts and

management information, including profit and loss,
balance sheet and cash flow forecast and analysis of
variations to budget.

n  Support budget holders with information to enable
them to manage and monitor their budgets in
accordance with policies and procedures.

n  Oversee the operation and reconciliation of the
School’s bank accounts and payment processes.

n  Maintain a compliant fixed asset register (using a
Compliance and Control
n  Manage and co-ordinate statutory inspection and

suitable software solution), and work with the Estates
and IT Managers to ensure an annual audit of all assets.
servicing schedules to ensure full compliance with all
legislation, to include (but not limited to) fire and alarm
n  Working with the DFO and the Finance team, manage
systems, lighting, air conditioning, asbestos, water
statutory audit processes and liaise with external
testing, PAT testing, COSHH.
auditors.

n  Ensure safe working practices are employed and that
Fee Billing, Credit Control and Fee Remission:
all relevant staff are properly trained and competent in
the operation of any equipment put into their charge.
n  Manage the processes and systems for all billing,
ensuring that all invoicing is accurate and reflects
n  Monitor the performance, health and safety
correct fee level or remission as appropriate, and
practices, licences, insurances, and DBS clearances of
assisting the Finance Officer (Fees) in the resolution of
contractors, reporting any deficiencies to the DFO.
invoice queries.

Health & Safety and Security
n  Undertake a termly reconciliation of fee income against
n  Take responsibility for the management of Health and
pupil registers.
Safety at the School, ensuring all statutory requirements
n  Ensure the School’s debt management processes are
are met (as set out in the Health and Safety at Work Act
followed and where appropriate, in the case of non-
1974 and subsequent H&S legislation).
payment of fees, the monitoring of repayment plans
n  Ensure the School is compliant with the Independent
and escalating as appropriate.
Schools Standards Regulations (ISSRs).
n  Manage the fee collections and produce a weekly aged
n  Manage the completion and annual review of all risk
debtor report for the DFO and Head, with detailed
records of actions taken and proposed for recovery.
assessments, and contribute to the School’s Risk
Register, for any risks relating to the operation of the
n  Ensure the correct application of the Fees in Advance
School Estate.
or any other related schemes.

n  Review and update the School’s emergency/business
n  Administer the School’s bursary programme, working
continuity planning arrangements, in conjunction with
closely with the Head of Admissions.
the DFO.

n  Acting as the Fire Safety Officer, take responsibility for
Accounts Payable and Suppliers:
the School’s fire protection arrangements, ensuring
n  Manage the Purchase Ledger, overseeing purchasing
compliance with all associated legislation.
processes and ensuring appropriate vetting of
n  Manage the security of the of site and ensure the safety
suppliers and maintenance of a preferred supplier
of all users of the site.
list. Work with the DFO to streamline and automate
processes where possible.
n  Promote a positive and effective culture of health and
n  Ensure timely approval and payment of invoices and
safety across the School community. Provide advice to
users of the site on the health and safety arrangements
assist in resolving invoice and payment queries.
and arrange for Health and Safety Committee meetings
n  Monitor the use of School credit and currency cards,
to take place at least termly.
and expenses reimbursement.

n  Maintain a suitable system to record all accidents,
Contract Management:
incidents and near misses, investigating the causes and
taking appropriate remedial action where needed.
n  Maintain a comprehensive list of all contracts entered
into, ensuring full financial oversight of major
Finance and Budgets
outsourced contracts and working with the DFO to
n  Prepare an annual budget for all areas under the
arrange re-tenders as appropriate.
Estates department, including both revenue and
n  Manage the School’s insurance arrangements including
capital spending, regularly monitoring the delivery of
co-ordination of any claims.
projects and activities within agreed budgets.

n  Ensure the application of best value principles and the
n  Ensure services and projects are accurately specified
identification of cost savings where possible.
and scoped, estimates for spending prepared and
expenditure is regularly benchmarked against the
market.

Payroll and Staffing:
n  Ensure accurate payroll processing and pension
n  Ensure the School’s financial procedures and
compliance.
competitive tendering policies are adhered to.

n  Maintain robust remuneration controls.
n  Work with the DFO to ensure any insurance claims are

dealt with effectively.

n  Review nominal ledger postings and produce monthly

headcount and comprehensive staffing budget
management reports for the DFO.

n  Work with the DFO and the HR department to move to
a new payroll provider to facilitate full integration to a
new HR system.

Continuing Professional Development
n  Keep up to date with changes in legislation and

practice.

n  Evaluate own professional performance and be
committed to improving own practice through
appropriate training and development.

General
n  Ensure confidentiality is maintained at all times.
n  Be familiar with and ensure finance related policies and

procedures are applied consistently.

n  To participate in staff meetings, INSETs and additional

School functions as required.

n  Actively promote and model good practice in equality,
diversity, and inclusion, and to support and uphold
fundamental British values.

n  To promote and uphold the ethos and values of

Tormead Limited.

n  To adhere to all School policies, procedures and risk

n  Engage actively in the performance review process.

assessments.

The responsibilities linked to this position are wide-ranging
and the duties listed above in this job description are not
intended to be exhaustive. It will be necessary to perform
other such duties which are broadly in line with these
responsibilities as are reasonably required.

Safeguarding:
The postholder is responsible for promoting and
safeguarding the welfare of children and young persons
with whom they come into contact, and to adhere to and
ensure compliance with the School’s Safeguarding Policy
at all times. If, in the course of carrying out their duties,
the postholder becomes aware of any actual or potential
risks to the safety or welfare of children in the School,
they must report any concerns to one of the school’s
Designated Safeguarding Leads in accordance with the
School’s policies and procedures.

This is a fantastic opportunity to join Tormead and
have a significant impact on the School’s future,
growth and success as it continues to evolve.

Tormead School is committed to safeguarding and
promoting the welfare of children and young people and
expects all staff, volunteers and third parties to share
this commitment. Safer recruitment practice and pre-
employment background checks will be undertaken
before any appointment is confirmed. All applicants
should read the Recruitment, Selection and Disclosure
Policies HERE. Enhanced disclosures from the Disclosure
and Barring Service (DBS) will be sought on all successful
applicants.

Key Relationships
Internal
DFO, Finance team, School Business Manager (Rydes
Hill), Head of Admissions, Head of Estates, Head of HR, HR
Officer, Head’s PA, IT Network Manager, Head and Senior
Leadership Team, Heads of Department, colleagues.

External
Contractors, suppliers, external professional consultants
and advisors, parents.

Person Specification
Essential Criteria

Qualifications & Training
n  Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)
n  Evidence of continuing and relevant professional

development

Experience
n  Experience in VAT compliance and financial

management

n  Excellent organisation and time management skills
with the ability to prioritise, remain calm, and work
under pressure

n  Excellent verbal and professional written

communication skills

n  Commitment to and an understanding of the

importance of safeguarding

Behavioural Competencies and Qualities
n  Proactive and solutions-focused, confident in driving

change

n  Ability to take ownership of tasks and see them

finished on time and to a high standard
n  Strong stakeholder engagement across multi-

disciplinary teams

n  Committed team player with excellent interpersonal

skills

n  Exhibit tact, discretion and diplomacy and ability to

maintain confidentiality at all times

Desirable Criteria

n  Proven experience of financial reporting, management

accounts preparation, forecasting and statutory
accounts

n  Audit experience
n  Experience with payroll, pensions, and internal

Experience
n  Charity accounting experience
n  Commercial finance experience (evaluating new

initiatives, revenue streams)

n  Familiarity with integrated systems (iSAMS, iFinance,

controls

n  Experience of managing teams

Skills and Knowledge
n  Strong analytical skills with the ability to translate

complex financial data into clear insights

n  Excellent understanding of accounting and related

software systems

n  Advanced Excel and data modelling
n  High level of proficiency in Microsoft Office

applications

Every HR)

n  Experience of systems implementation and/or

improvement processes

n  Experience of strategic financial planning
n  Previous experience of working in education or a non-

profit setting

Skills and Knowledge
n  Strong knowledge of payroll processes and

requirements

Salary and Benefits
Our benefits package includes a salary of circa £60,000 dependent on experience,
5 weeks annual leave plus bank holidays, professional development opportunities, free
lunch when school is in session, and free use of the school gym.

Applications
For more information and to apply for the role, please contact Emma Mitchell, Head of HR
Emitchell@tormeadschool.org.uk or visit our website: www.tormeadschool.org.uk

Deadline for applications:
Tuesday 2 December 2025 @ 9.00am. However, applications will be considered
in the order in which they are received, and the School reserves the right to make an
appointment prior to the closing date should the ideal candidate(s) be identified.

Tormead School is committed to the safeguarding and welfare of its pupils and all staff must share this commitment. Applicants must be willing to
undergo an enhanced DBS check and other Child Protection screening including checks with past employers. The post holder must adhere to the
School’s Child Protection Policy at all times including attending mandatory training every three years.