Job Title Head of Finance Responsible to Director of Finance & Operations Role Overview The primary purpose of this position is to support the DFO in ensuring the effective management of all aspects of the School’s finances (including any subsidiary or associated entities), working closely with the other direct reports of the DFO as necessary (Head of HR, Head of Estates and Commercial Manager). This will also include leading and developing the Finance Department team members. Responsibilities and Duties Accounting and Finance Responsibilities ● To provide professional advice, analysis and guidance on financial strategies, policies and procedures which support the School’s business objectives and ensure legislative compliance. ● To be responsible for the design, monitoring and evaluation of effective and efficient financial processes for the billing and collection of fees, payment of staff, payment of suppliers and other financial areas (including schemes for fees in advance, petty cash, and management of scholarships, bursaries and other fee discounts), taking into account current legislation and School policy and procedure. ● To review procurement processes to ensure cost effective and efficient processes operate across the School. ● To maintain the School’s accounting records, and to develop effective monthly financial reporting – management accounts and KPIs - with appropriate and meaningful analysis and commentary. ● To implement new systems and processes as required to align with Head Office requirements. ● To prepare annual budgets, ensuring that budget processes are clear and robust. ● To ensure that processes are in place to actively monitor the budget, providing regular feedback to budget holders to enable this. ● To prepare five year plans/rolling forecasts, in conjunction with the DFO and Head Office. ● To undertake specific project appraisals. ● To undertake appropriate benchmarking and provide guidance and advice on relevant actions arising from such benchmarking. ● To liaise with insurance providers as required. ● To be responsible for the timeliness and accuracy of information provided by the finance team. ● To ensure that effective credit control processes are in place, liaising with the Head and DFO in relation to outstanding accounts, and ensuring effective reporting of debtors to Board / HQ (including aged debtors etc). ● To prepare cashflow forecasts and to monitor the School’s cash balances (daily/weekly, as necessary). 1 of 4 ● To implement treasury processes designed to maximise the use of any surplus funds and minimise related banking and interest charges. ● To be responsible for the timely submission of legislative returns, including Companies House, Charity Commission, HMRC. ● To manage FCA licensing requirements, where necessary. ● To manage bursary award and review processes; liaising with parents as required. ● To manage utility contracts (energy/water) and RHI and PV submissions, including ESOS requirements and compliance ● To manage school TV licensing requirements, including TV media provision (e.g. Sky). ● To advise on tax matters including Gift Aid and VAT, and to administer related tax returns. ● To manage the School’s ratings and Council Tax assessments. ● To advise on the financial implications of the charitable status of the Foundation and any legislative/government policy changes. ● To develop and maintain a fixed asset register. ● To manage payroll and pensions, ensuring compliance with regulations for benefits in kind (including preparation of P11Ds and P60s) and administering the pension and salary exchange schemes for teaching and support staff as required. ● To manage invoicing processes for non-fee invoices such as lettings and events, and monitor payment against these. ● To prepare the School statutory accounts, including preparation for audit, and liaise with auditors as required. ● To manage the day to day relationship with the bank. ● To contribute towards maintaining an effective interface between the finance systems and those in other areas of the School. ● To monitor the operation of financial controls, introducing further controls as appropriate to safeguard the School’s funds and other assets. and present ● To prepare financial reports and data as required to Senior Management/Trustees/Board/HQ General Management Responsibilities ● To support the DFO, as required, in ensuring the proper general management and administration of the School, including deputising for the DFO where required. ● Direct line management responsibility for the Finance Department to support the aims and ethos of Clayesmore and play an active and visible role in the School. ● To undertake other duties consistent with the role, as may be determined by the DFO from time to time. Technical Standards and Control and CPD ● To participate in relevant professional development activities, including attendance at appropriate exhibitions, seminars and conferences as agreed with the DFO. ● To keep up to date with financial developments in the educational and charity fields. ● To keep the accounting and reporting systems and processes and reporting under review to ensure they are effective and efficient and compliant with best practice. Person Specification Essential ● Embody the values of Clayesmore, demonstrating loyalty to the school and its ethos ● Educated to degree level or equivalent ● Qualified accountant (ACA/ACCA) / CIMA ● Wide management experience in a diverse organisation ● Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information 2 of 4 Advanced IT skills (including data analysis and manipulation) ● ● Experience of managing budget production and monitoring processes ● Experience in all areas of financial and management accounting, including reporting, statutory accounts, financial systems and controls ● Methodical and technically astute, with an excellent attention to detail (both figures and words) ● Embrace change and innovation of systems, processes and policies to benefit the School ● Ability to work independently and use own initiative ● Ability to lead and motivate staff to meet high expectations, with proven track record of effective team management and teamwork ● Good problem solving, analytical and decision making skills ● Energy and enthusiasm ● Excellent communication skills, with a clear understanding of customer/stakeholder needs ● Ability to be flexible and adaptable to changing circumstances ● Prioritisation skills and ability to manage competing deadlines ● Excellent organisational and planning skills ● Courteous, friendly and approachable, actively encouraging and supporting staff and colleagues ● Able to keep calm under pressure and to meet deadlines ● Excellent attendance and punctuality ● Good sense of humour ● Commitment to the safeguarding of children and young people ● Willingness to play a part in the overall development of the School Desirable ● Experience of working in a similar role in an educational environment ● Experience of using IRIS/iSAMS/Oracle NetSuite accounting systems ● Charity experience ● An understanding of safeguarding within a school setting ● Experience of procurement and contract negotiation and management. Additional Information ● This is an all year round role, not term time only ● Standard office hours are 8.30am until 5.00pm Monday to Friday, with up to 30 minutes unpaid lunch break each day (ie, 40 contractual hours a week), but this is a senior position so some out of hours work will be required. In particular, some weekend and evening work may occasionally be required and the job holder is also expected to be “on call” out of hours in the event of an emergency or crisis at the School. ● Holiday entitlement will be 22 days per year (1 September – 31 August), plus 8 bank holidays. You may be required to work any public holiday when the School is open, for which time off will be given on another day. The School reserves the right to designate up to 5 days per holiday year in order to facilitate School closure. ● Benefits include a free lunch-time meal, free membership of the Clayesmore Sports Centre, pension and death in service benefits. Date reviewed: Reviewed by: December 2025 Director of Finance and Operations Clayesmore School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Applicants for this post must be willing to undergo safeguarding screening, including reference checks with previous employers and a criminal record check with the Disclosure and Barring Service. 3 of 4