Director of Finance & Operations

As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, the Bursar / Director of Finance & Operations will work alongside the Board of Governors and the Head of School to shape the School's overall strategic direction. You will be responsible for the line management of the administration and support staff, managing the school’s estate and facilities across both campuses, and ensuring regulatory compliance. The Junior & Senior School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The Bursar / Director of Finance & Operations is expected to be committed to fulfilling their responsibilities and meeting the requirements in this crucial area.

The Bursar / Director of Finance & Operations is responsible to the Head of School for the day-to-day, non-academic operation of the school and is responsible (through the Head of School) to the Governors for the conduct of the school’s financial affairs. You will act as Clerk to the Governors and serve on various committees, overseeing the preparation of agendas, papers and minutes as appropriate. The Bursar / Director of Finance & Operations will lead the non-teaching team, including accounts, HR, office administration and secretaries, estates, cleaning and maintenance, Health & Safety, IT, and catering.

Our school benefits from a dedicated and talented staff, a strong financial foundation, and a progressive approach to education.

Reporting to: Head of School

🔍 Key Responsibilities

As outlined in the full Job Description, your responsibilities will include:

1. Strategic Financial Leadership & Planning

Financial Strategy: Partner with the Head of School and the Board of Governors to develop and implement long-term financial strategies that support the school's educational vision and expansion plans.

Budgeting & Forecasting: Lead the annual budgeting process. Prepare comprehensive financial forecasts, cash flow projections, and scenario models to ensure financial stability and sustainable growth.

Capital Expenditure (CAPEX): Appraise and manage major capital projects, including campus development, infrastructure upgrades, and technology investments.

Facilities and Operations Oversight: Lead the non-teaching team, including accounts, HR, office administration and secretaries, estates, cleaning, maintenance, Health & Safety, IT, and catering.

2. Accounting, Reporting & Control

Financial Reporting: Prepare accurate and timely monthly, quarterly, and annual management accounts for the Board and executive leadership.

Audit & Compliance: Act as the primary liaison for external and internal auditors. Ensure compliance with all national statutory reporting requirements, tax regulations, and international accounting standards.

Internal Controls: Design, implement, and monitor robust financial policies, procedures, and internal controls to safeguard the school’s assets and prevent fraud.

3. Commercial & Revenue Management

Fee Management: Oversee the tuition fee billing and collection process. Develop and enforce effective debt recovery policies while maintaining positive relationships with parents.

Contract Negotiation: Manage and negotiate commercial contracts with external vendors, including catering, transport, facility management, and IT service providers, ensuring maximum value for money.

Alternative Revenue Generation: Identify and evaluate opportunities to maximise non-fee income, including facility rentals, summer programmes, or sponsorships.

4. Risk Management & Governance

Risk Assessment: Maintain the school’s risk register. Identify financial, operational, and legal risks and implement effective mitigation strategies.

Insurance: Oversee the school’s insurance portfolio, ensuring adequate coverage for the estate, staff, students, and liabilities.

Payroll & Benefits: Oversee the payroll function, ensuring accurate and timely compensation for all academic and non-academic staff, including the management of expatriate benefits and tax structuring.

✅ Candidate Profile

Required:

Education

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or Business Administration.
• A recognised professional accounting qualification is desirable (e.g., ICAN, ACCA, ACA, CPA, or CIMA).

Experience

• 10+ years of progressive (financial) management experience, with at least 3–5 years' operating at a senior leadership level (e.g., COO, CFO, Finance Director, or Financial Controller).
• Prior experience working as a Bursar, CFO or COO within the education sector (specifically private or international schools) is highly desirable, though not essential. Transferable skills and professional experiences gained in the corporate sector would be equally welcomed.
• Proven track record in managing complex budgets, cash flow, and driving commercial negotiations.
• Experience managing cross-functional teams and presenting financial data clearly to non-financial stakeholders, such as a Board of Directors / Governors.
• Strong proficiency in modern financial management software and ERP systems: the school currently uses Pocket Payroll for payroll and Ifinance for accounting, so experience with these software packages is desirable.

Core Competencies

• High level of commercial acumen and strategic thinking.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the tact to handle sensitive fee-related discussions with parents.
• Impeccable integrity, ethical standards, and cultural sensitivity.

💼 Remuneration & Benefits

We offer a competitive salary package, commensurate with qualifications and experience, and opportunities for continuous professional development within a supportive and forward-thinking school community.

An initial two-year contract (with a 6-month initial probationary period) will be offered to the successful candidate.

We will offer remuneration that reflects the importance of the role and the successful candidate's experience. The package comprises:

• A regionally competitive annual salary paid gross (remuneration will be determined in line with the School's Salary Scales and through internal benchmarking to ensure fair and equitable pay).
• 50% school tuition fee reduction for up to two dependent children.

📝 Application Process

If you are passionate about science education and excited to join a vibrant school community, we’d love to hear from you.

The closing date for all applications is Friday 8th May 2026.

🗓️ Recruitment Process & Timeline

To apply for this role, please upload both:

• A formal letter of application (no longer than two sides of A4 as a PDF)
• An up-to-date Curriculum Vitae
• The names and contact details of three referees, one of which must be your current employer and direct line manager – please list these referees on a separate page at the end of your CV.

🛡️ Safeguarding Notice: The Junior and Senior School is committed to the safeguarding and protection of children and young people. All offers of employment are subject to satisfactory references and appropriate criminal record checks. Safeguarding questions will form part of the interview process.

🌀 Non-Limiting Clause: This job description is not intended to be a complete or limiting description of the tasks or responsibilities that the post holder may reasonably be requested to undertake. Adjustments may be made in consultation with the post holder and the Headteacher/Principal to meet new needs or circumstances.

🟰 Equal Opportunities Employer:

At The Junior & Senior School, we are proud to be an inclusive community that values diversity and is committed to creating a respectful and supportive environment for all. We are an equal opportunities employer and do not discriminate on any grounds, ensuring fair and equitable treatment for all applicants and staff.

🧠 Use of AI:

We may use AI-supported tools to assist in the initial screening of applications; however, all CVs are reviewed by a human, and all hiring decisions are made by people.

📬 All applications will be handled with strict confidentiality.

Please note: We reserve the right to close this advertisement early should we receive a high volume of suitable applications. Early applications is therefore strongly encouraged. We may also conduct interviews ahead of the closing date if we receive an exceptional application.