Director of Finance and Operations

Job Description

Overview:Located on the beautiful Duchy Estate in the heart of Harrogate, the School enjoys 22 acres of land. The School is a Christian foundation for day and boarding girls aged 11-18 and is one of the 4 Allied Schools (the others being Canford, Stowe and Wrekin).Highfield Preparatory School for boys and girls 2-11 lies at the heart of the School; it is led by its own Head and overseen by the Principal.Day pupils come from the surrounding area with school minibuses travelling daily from Leeds, Ilkley, Skipton, Ripon and Wetherby. Boarders come from the UK and over 28 countries overseas. Our pupil body is diverse in terms of socio-economic, cultural andacademic background but every pupil shares a common wish to fulfil their potential.The Governors of HLC are seeking to appoint a Director of Finance and Operations (DFO) who will play a key strategic role in the growth and strengthening of the School. The post falls vacant on 1 April 2022 although there is some flexibility in the startdate and a handover period would be desirable.Leadership structureThe Business Leadership Team (BLT)meets weekly and includes the Principal, Director of Finance and Operations, Director of Marketing and Admissions, Senior Deputy, Senior Master and Head of Highfield.The College Senior Leadership Team (CSLT) meets weekly and is chaired by members of the team on rotation and is attended by the Principal, Senior Deputy, Deputy Academic (College), Senior Master, Head of Sixth Form, Head of KS3, Head ofKS4 and Head of Boarding.The Whole School Leadership Team (WSLT) meets three or four times a term and combines the BLT, CSLT and Highfield leadership teams. The WSLT builds and evaluates the strategic plan each year.Over 200 adults work for HLC; it is unlikely that a more dedicated and professional group of people can be found in any school in the country.The roleThe primary responsibility of the Director of Finance and Operations (DFO) is the leadership of, and responsibility for, the Schools financial operations. The DFO has an integral role in the development and implementation of the strategic growth of theSchool. They will be expected to be an outstanding professional, visionary financial leader and inspiring manager who is robust, flexible, with a strong sense of humour and whose primary motivation is to ensure the very best outcomes for the pupils of theSchool and its long term sustainable future.Main DutiesStrategy:

1. Working closely with the Principal and Governors to shape the Schools ongoing strategic development.
2. Providing wider leadership to the whole school community as a member of the Whole School Senior Leadership Team.
3. Maintaining a close relationship with the Chair of Governors, attending all Governing Body meetings as well as other Governor committee meetings and providing high quality management information, legal advice, and administrative and clerical support tothe Board.

Finance and Accountancy:

1. Leadership of, and responsibility for, the Schools financial operations.
2. Overseeing the development and implementation of financial strategy, financial planning and modelling. Sound and responsible financial management, the smooth running of all payments and receipts including pensions and payroll, and the development and deliveryof high quality, timely management information.
3. Keeping the accounts of the school and preparing Statements of Financial Activity (SOFA) and balance sheets in accordance with the charities Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP).
4. Providing leadership and effective management of the Bursary team.
5. Communications with parents over fee payments and/or bursary provision.
6. Advising on investments in consultation with the Schools brokers or investment managers.

General Management and Administration:

1. Providing leadership and effective management within the following areas of the School: Estates (including Lettings), Health and Safety, HR, IT, School Office and the outsourced catering provision.
2. Oversight of the Schools infrastructure, technology and business management systems to ensure efficient and effective use of processes, systems and resource.
3. Effective risk management, including identifying, understanding, managing and mitigating all facets of risk for the School. This includes financial risk management, health & safety, insurance, GDPR and other relevant legal and compliance matters. The DFOplays a critical part in ensuring that the School is compliant and inspection ready.
4. Building close relationships with external advisers for example, lawyers.

School Estate:

1. Providing leadership on estates-related matters across the School, including future major capital developments or refurbishment projects; the acquiring and/or disposing of assets and the maintenance of a safe and high-quality campus which is fit for purposeand effectively communicates the Schools ethos.
2. Leading on the commercial activities of the School (including HLC Properties), in particular building good relationships with third parties and maximising income sources.

Person Specification:Please refer to the full job description which is available on the Schools website.How to apply:To apply please send a completed application form, CV and cover letter of no more than two pages no later than 12.00 noon on Thursday 18th February 2022.Initial interviews for selected candidates will be held during the week beginning 28th February. Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed at the school during the week of 7 March following psychometric testing.Harrogate Ladies College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicant must be willing to undergo child protection screeningappropriate to the post and cannot start in post until all pre-employment checks have been completed satisfactorily. The School is an educational charity and equal opportunities employer.

Keyskills :
AccountancyFinanceOperations Management