Head of Finance

The position of Head of Finance is a crucial role leading the Finance Team. The post-holder will be responsible for:

• Budgetary control
• Monitoring and managing all aspects of expenditure
• The accounting records and reporting for Westonbirt School
• Being finance partner for Wishford Commercial Team
• Direct line management for the Finance Manager, as well as overseeing a small team

The Head of Finance will lead the Finance Team. Working closely with the Heads, Director of Estates and Services, SLT, and budget holders, including, providing financial support and accurate, timely reporting to the Wishford Group Head of Reporting.

They will also act as the finance partner to the Wishford Commercial team, supporting high‑growth activities such as language schools, holiday clubs, leisure services, and weddings and events. This includes collaborating on pricing, planning, reporting, and analysis.

This role requires a qualified accountant, and we welcome applicants from a variety of backgrounds and experience levels. Due to the size of the organisation, it is a hands-on position overseeing a team of four, including direct line management of the Finance Manager, at a particularly exciting time of growth and capital investment.

This is a full-time role, and as a boarding school operating seven days a week, occasional evening and weekend support may be required.

Hours, Salary & Benefits:

Hours: This is a full time, year round permanent role.

Salary: Up to £75,000 pa

Benefits:

• 5% employer pension
• Shopping discount card
• Potential means tested staff discount
• Complimentary lunch where possible
• 25 days annual leave + bank holidays pa
• Access to the groups counselling scheme
• Access to fully funded apprenticeships
• Discretionary Christmas stand down
• On site parking
• Personal accident at work cover

Job Description:

This role is wide ranging, encompassing staff management, financial and management reporting and business partnering. Including:

• Financial Strategy and Reporting
• Operational Oversight
• Governance and Compliance

Person Specification:

We are seeking a commercially minded qualified accountant with demonstrated experience in an entrepreneurial high growth environment. The right person will be able to balance strategic oversight with being in a hands-on role in finance and as a key person in the wider school community.

The Successful candidate will have the following skills, experience and qualities:

Qualities/ Skills:

• Lead by example with honesty, integrity and discretion
• Proactive, accurate and extremely organised and effective in detailed accounting functions.
• A keen eye for detail and the ability to work to deadlines.
• A flexible and proactive approach.
• Good written & oral communication skills.

Experience:

• Qualified Accountant

Essential:

• Demonstrated experience in a senior but hands on role outside of practice.
• Experience of leading a finance team that included transactional processing and accounting
• Excellent IT skills including advanced excel skills and proficient in use of finance systems

Desirable:

• Experience of working in a school environment
• Understanding of tax and capital allowances

Application Form

Candidate Pack

Location:

Westonbirt School, Westonbirt, Tetbury, Gloucestershire, GL8 8QG

Safeguarding:

Westonbirt School recognises its responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of the children and young people in their care.

This responsibility encompasses the following principles:

• To protect children from harm (maltreatment).
• To prevent impairment of children’s health and development.
• To ensure that children are growing up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care, thus enabling those children to have optimum life chances and to enter adulthood successfully.

Contact Details:

If you need any adjustment for the application or interview process please contact: michelle.andrews@westonbirtschool.uk