Head of Finance (maternity cover)

APPOINTMENT OF

HEAD OF FINANCE
(Maternity Cover)

March 2026

An Independent Co-educational Boarding and Day School for pupils aged nine months to 18 years

Thank you for your interest in applying for the role at Kingswood Foundation as our Head of Finance
Headmaster’s Welcome
covering maternity leave.

As someone myself who enjoyed a previous career in finance, before becoming a teacher I can say with
confidence that this role offers an exceptional opportunity to contribute to an organisation with an
inspiring vision, a clear sense of purpose and a strong commitment to educational excellence. As Head
of Finance, you will play a critical leadership role, providing strategic insight, professional expertise, and
robust financial stewardship to ensure the ongoing success and sustainability of the School.

Kingswood School, founded by Rev John Wesley in 1748,  is defined by strong values, intellectual
ambition, and a deep commitment to developing young people who think critically, act
compassionately, and engage confidently with the world around them. Our professional and dedicated
community embody these principles, bringing together individuals with diverse experience,
perspectives, and expertise, all united by a shared belief in the power of holistic education to transform
lives.

We welcome applications from candidates with experience from a wide range of sectors.  While a strong
track record in financial leadership is essential, we are equally interested in individuals who feel a
personal connection with our ethos, are collaborative in their approach, and who will bring sound
judgement and an innovative approach to a dynamic and values-driven educational environment.

We look forward to receiving your application for this role.

Best wishes,

Andrew Gordon-Brown

An Independent Co-educational Boarding and Day School for pupils aged nine months to 18 years

Job Description

Job Title:

Head of Finance (maternity cover)

Responsible To:

Director of Finance and Operations (DFO)

Department:

Finance

Date of Issue:

March 2026

About the role

We are seeking an exceptional Head of Finance (maternity cover) to lead and deliver the financial
strategy of Kingswood School. Reporting to the Director of Finance and Operations (DFO), the role is
central to ensuring the financial sustainability and long-term success of the Foundation.

As a member of the Senior Management Team, the postholder will have responsibility for all aspects of
financial leadership, including budgeting, forecasting, management reporting, financial modelling, and
strategic analysis to support executive and governor decision-making.

The role includes oversight of capital planning, cash flow management, financial risk, statutory accounts,
audit, VAT, and internal controls across the Foundation and its associated entities. The Head of Finance
will also lead and develop the Finance Team, directly managing the Finance Manager, and will work
closely with the DFO on strategic initiatives such as fee modelling, investment planning, policy
development, and governance.

This role requires a technically strong, commercially minded finance leader with proven experience of
operating at a senior level, who can combine rigorous financial stewardship with a collaborative and
values-driven approach

A career at Kingswood offers the opportunity to be part of a supportive and forward-thinking
community that values excellence, innovation, and personal growth. Rooted in our core values - Care for
Each Individual, Educate for Life, Serve the Community, and Live Sustainably - we foster an environment
where staff are empowered to thrive.

Key responsibilities

Strategic Financial Leadership

•

Lead the financial strategy of the Foundation, supporting long-term sustainability and
organisational priorities.

•  Partner with the Director of Finance and Operations on strategic initiatives, financial modelling,

benchmarking, and decision-support analysis.

•  Provide clear, timely financial insight to inform executive and governor decision-making.

An Independent Co-educational Boarding and Day School for pupils aged nine months to 18 years

Financial Management & Reporting

•

Lead the annual budgeting and capital planning process, ensuring alignment with strategic
objectives.

•  Produce monthly management accounts, forecasts, cash flow reports, and KPIs with clear

narrative and analysis.

•  Deliver termly and quarterly financial reports, including bank covenant reviews and governor

papers.

•  Oversee salary forecasting, contract variations, and staffing changes against budget.

Annual Accounts, Audit & Compliance

•  Manage year end accounts and external audits, ensuring accurate and compliant statutory

reporting.

•  Prepare consolidated accounts for the Foundation and its trading subsidiaries.
•  Ensure compliance with all statutory obligations, including HMRC, Companies House, the

Charity Commission, and VAT returns.

Leadership, Controls & Risk

•

Lead and develop the Finance Team, directly managing the Finance Manager and promoting
high performance and collaboration.

•  Maintain robust financial controls, policies, and procedures across all entities.
•

Support risk management through active maintenance of the risk register and mitigation
planning.

Operational & Stakeholder Management

•  Oversee cash flow, investments, fees-in-advance, debtors, and third-party payment providers.
•  Act as the lead contact for VAT and other technical finance matters.
•  Engage professionally with families on fees, bursaries, and debt management, maintaining

confidentiality at all times.

You will be expected to:

•  Conduct yourself with professionalism, tact and diplomacy at all times as a representative of Kingswood
•  Observe health and safety procedures and work safely at all times
•  To comply with all school policies and procedures including reporting any concerns to the appropriate

person in relation to those covering child protection, health, safety, welfare, security, confidentiality and
data protection.

No job description can fully cover all aspects of the role and consequently the responsibilities are likely to
evolve and change over time.

An Independent Co-educational Boarding and Day School for pupils aged nine months to 18 years

Skills, qualifications and experience

You will be educated to degree level or hold an equivalent professional qualification in financial and/or
management accounting, supported by a relevant professional accreditation such as ACA, ACCA or
CIMA. You will bring in-depth knowledge of financial planning and control, including budgeting,
management accounting, VAT, payroll practice and pension regulations, alongside substantial
experience of strategic financial management and budget setting within a complex organisation.

You will have a proven track record of leading and developing teams, providing clear strategic oversight
while maintaining rigorous operational control. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills are essential,
as is a proactive approach to identifying opportunities for process improvement, efficiency and cost
savings. You will be highly numerate, with advanced financial modelling and Excel skills, and able to
present complex financial information in a clear, accessible and compelling way to a range of
stakeholders.

Commercially astute and confident in negotiation, you will be experienced in managing third-party
relationships and contracts, ensuring value for money while safeguarding the organisation’s interests.
You will combine exceptional attention to detail with strong organisational skills, enabling you to
manage competing priorities effectively and deliver to deadlines without compromising accuracy.

Above all, you will demonstrate collaborative and positive leadership, inspiring and motivating
colleagues while fostering a culture of accountability, professionalism and continuous improvement.
You will understand the importance of discretion and confidentiality and be committed to maintaining
the highest standards in the stewardship of financial data.

Experience within the independent school sector would be advantageous, as would knowledge of
charity law and the Teachers’ Pension Scheme. An understanding of safeguarding responsibilities, and a
clear commitment to ensuring the security and integrity of financial processes within a school
environment, would further strengthen your application.

Child protection

It is your responsibility to help promote and safeguard the welfare of children and young persons for
whom you are responsible, or with whom you come into contact, and to adhere to and ensure
compliance with the School’s Child Protection Policy Statement at all times. If, in the course of carrying
out the duties of the post, you become aware of any actual or potential risks to the safety or welfare of
children in the school, you must report any concerns to the School’s Designated Safeguarding Lead.
Protecting children from the risk of radicalisation is part of the School’s safeguarding duties (under the
Prevent Duty).

An Independent Co-educational Boarding and Day School for pupils aged nine months to 18 years

Competencies

The Kingswood Competency Framework sets out the expected level of performance at a given level –
the ‘competency profile’.

The competency profile is used to support objective setting, appraisal, and continuous professional
development planning.

Competency Profile: Level 3 – Senior Manager (Leader in Field):

An Independent Co-educational Boarding and Day School for pupils aged nine months to 18 years

Terms and conditions

This is a full-time, year-round position based at Kingswood Senior School. The standard working pattern is 37
hours per week, Monday to Thursday from 8.30am to 4.30pm and Friday from 8.30am to 4.00pm, with a 30-
minute unpaid lunch break each day.

Given the seniority and breadth of the role, and as a member of the Senior Management Team, the Head of
Finance will be expected to exercise professional flexibility in managing their time, working such hours as are
reasonably necessary to discharge the responsibilities of the post. This will include attendance at Board and
committee meetings and leading key financial cycles, such as budget setting and the annual audit, where
additional time commitment may be required.

This is a fixed-term opportunity to cover a period of maternity leave, expected to be for up to one year from
May 2026. The appointment will conclude on the return of the substantive postholder, should this be earlier.

A competitive salary is offered, in the region of £70k per annum, depending on qualifications, skills and
experience.

The School offers a generous holiday entitlement of 6.6 weeks per year, inclusive of bank holidays and
normally closes for a period over Christmas, which may result in additional non-working days.

Kingswood School has high expectations of its staff and, in return, provides a range of valuable benefits.
These include opportunities for professional development and training, free meals and refreshments
during the working day, and access to leisure and sports facilities such as a swimming pool, gym, and
tennis courts. Staff may also benefit from part remission of school fees for their children (subject to
eligibility), a stakeholder pension scheme, death in service benefit, and participation in the Cycle to
Work scheme. Additional perks include access to an Employee Assistance Programme for confidential
advice and support. With a strong sense of community, there are many ways to be involved whether
through sport, music or social events.

Application process

Please visit our website https://www.kingswood.bath.sch.uk/kingswood-community/work-for-us/
to read our policies for Recruitment, Selection and Disclosure Procedure, and also the Child Protection
and Safeguarding Policy including EYFS.

To request an application pack, of if you have any questions about the recruitment process, please email
Miss Hannah Sweeney (Recruitment Administrator) on recruitment@kingswood.bath.sch.uk or telephone
01225 734350.

Please note that applications will only be accepted from candidates completing the application form in
full.  Please ensure that there are no gaps in education/employment history.  The School is unable to
accept CVs in substitution for a completed application form.

The closing date is Thursday, 19 March 2026, midday. Applications will be considered as they are
received and the School reserves the right to appoint at any time in the process.  Early applications are
therefore encouraged.

An Independent Co-educational Boarding and Day School for pupils aged nine months to 18 years

The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all
staff and volunteers to share this commitment. You will be required to undergo child protection screening
appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the School is therefore permitted to ask job
applicants to declare all convictions and cautions (including those which are "spent" unless they are "protected"
under the DBS filtering rules) in order to assess their suitability to work with children."

As an equal opportunities employer, Kingswood School is committed to the equal treatment of all current and
prospective employees and does not condone discrimination on the basis of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation,
pregnancy and maternity, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, gender identity, or marriage and civil partnership.

We offer a welcoming and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from a wide
range of backgrounds to apply and join Kingswood School.

An Independent Co-educational Boarding and Day School for pupils aged nine months to 18 years