Finance Director at St Albans School

St Albans School is a leading independent day school with an outstanding reputation for academic excellence.  

Reporting to the Bursar this new post represents an exciting opportunity to join the School at a time when it is expanding its footprint. We are seeking an experienced and professionally qualified individual to lead the Finance and Accounting department of the St Albans School Group, which includes Beechwood Park School, the Woollam Trust and Abbey Gateway Enterprises. The role offers scope for growth as the overall team’s remit evolves.

The postholder will lead both the group finance department and the team generating commercial income for the group.  The role is responsible for providing accurate financial information and analysis to support strategic decision-making within the group alongside developing integrated financial systems and processes to support the group’s development. They will also lead the implementation of a new finance system to support the group’s expanding activities.

The ideal candidate will hold a recognised professional accountancy qualification and will have significant post-qualification experience in a senior management accounting role. Experience of law relating to tax, PAYE, VAT, benefit-in-kind regulations, and charity status requirements is essential. Candidates should demonstrate excellent analytical, organisational, and communication skills, together with strong leadership capability, commercial awareness, and a high level of integrity. Experience within the charity sector and/or an independent school environment would be advantageous.

The post is full time, 37.5 hours per week, and will be based at the St Albans School site, with a regular presence required at the sites of associated entities.  Attendance at evening meetings of the Finance Committee will also be required each term.

The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Applicants must therefore be willing to undergo child protection screening and safer recruitment checks appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.  St Albans School is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity and the creation of an inclusive environment for all employees. Employment selections are made according to suitability for the post, irrespective of background or protected characteristic.

The School reserves the right to make an appointment before the closing date, so early applications are encouraged.