Head of Finance Full Time

Crosby, Merseyside
Michael Page
Head of Finance, Organisation demonstrates excellence consistently
Reputable and forward thinking independent school
About Our Client

Michael Page is working exclusively with Merchants Taylors’ an Independent school in Liverpool.

For 400 years, this school has endured as one of the finest in the North of England, founded on a commitment to academic excellence and the provision of a nurturing environment that helps every child to achieve their full potential. A name which is synonymous with excellence, achievement, heritage and culture. Merchant Taylors’ is well-respected within its local community and within the education sector.

Merchant Taylors’ consists of four schools, Merchant Taylors’ Preparatory School, Merchant Taylors’ Girls School, Merchant Taylors’ Boys School, and Merchant Taylors’ Sixth Form (from September 2024).

Responsible directly to the Chief Operations Officer, the Head of Finance is a key member of the Senior Leadership team.

Job Description

The Head of Finance will be based in Crosby and is responsible for leading the finance function for the organisation. It is a position that remains key to ensuring that the organisation is making the best use of its financial resources and to continue to demonstrate their bold ambitious plans, with strong links to purpose, mission and values.

The Head of Finance is responsible for the overall financial management and reporting for Merchant Taylors’ School. To ensure the maintenance of effective financial control and compliance across the school, providing accurate and timely management information to support strategic decision making. Line management of the finance team as well as providing training/support to academic staff on financial processes. This role also supports the COO in contributing to the overall strategic direction and priorities for the school as a business and as a charity.

Duties will be as follows:

Provide accurate and timely financial information and reporting for the 3 schools and charitable arm
Preparing relevant statutory compliance documentation and submissions
Day to day management of the finance systems and associated processes
Working in collaboration with schools on financial monitoring, including production of accurate and timely budgets and management accounts for each school
Act as primary business partner across the Schools Executive Team, Senior Management Teams and budget holders providing monthly, as well as ad hoc support and advice
Act as business partner to the Manager of the Sports Centre providing this role with support, commercial advice and financial reporting
Overseeing the accounts payable function, treasury management and payroll functions
Management and supporting the development of finance team members
Leading on procurement advice and systems for the organisation
Complete monthly ledger reconciliations
Continuous development of financial systems, financial reporting, controls and procedures
Support costing of services and optimisation of resources using integrated curriculum and financial planning modelling
Attend Executive meetings and Board meetings as and when required
Chair the Schools’ Finance Management Committee which consists of the Head Teachers and other key professional services staff to ensure the effective reporting, monitoring and communication of financial performance, compliance with charity legislation and policies and sharing of best practice
The Successful Applicant

You will be a Qualified CIMA/ ACCA/ ACA/CCAB/CIPFA candidate with a proven track within a similar sized organisation. The successful candidate will be an individual who is looking to excel in an inspiring and changing environment. It is ideal for someone who wants to run a business, managing income, costs, surplus and cashflow with full P&L responsibility and manage a small, effective team. An excellent opportunity to have a real valuable, impact- where tomorrow is shaped by the plans we make today.

What’s on Offer

You will be a part of an established, forward thinking Independent School who have a continued vision to provide outstanding education and inspire all learners to succeed. For four centuries and more, they have continued to differentiate and reinvent themselves to ensure Merchant Taylors’ is well-placed for future opportunities. Bold ambitious plans, with strong links to their purpose, mission and values have been hallmarks of centuries of success.

Competitive Salary
37 hours per week
30 days annual leave
Defined Pension contribution
Required on site most of the week during term time, more hybrid working model out of school term time
Free staff lunch
Free gym membership to on-site Sports Centre gym
Free car parking
Working hours 8.30-4.30pm (4pm finish on Fridays)