Financial Controller

Job Description

Financial Controller, North Leeds Education Sector

Financial Controller
Salary: £60,000-£70,000 per annum Location: Harewood, North Leeds
Based in the leafy North Leeds suburb of Harewood, this outstanding independent school provides a high-quality education for boys and girls aged 2 to 18.Hays is delighted to be working in partnership with Gateways School to appoint an experienced Financial Controller to a key leadership role. This is a broad and influential opportunity for a high-calibre, technically accomplished finance professional who wants to combine financial excellence with purpose and make a tangible difference within a not-for-profit education environment.
The Opportunity
As Financial Controller, you will lead the school’s finance function and play a central role in supporting its long-term financial sustainability. The role offers significant breadth, autonomy and visibility, working closely with senior leaders and governors.
Key responsibilities include:

• Ownership of budgeting, forecasting, cash flow, payroll and credit control
• Leadership of the finance team and oversight of day-to-day financial operations
• Managing the year-end process, external audit and regulatory compliance
• Partnering with senior stakeholders to support non-fee income generation and assess the financial viability of school activities
• Acting as Company Secretary, supporting governance and statutory requirements
• Continuous improvement of financial systems, contracts and internal controls
The role is primarily based on site, reflecting its leadership and stakeholder-facing nature, with flexibility during school holiday periods and occasional opportunities to work from home.
Why Join Gateways School?
Gateways offers a supportive, collegiate environment alongside a strong benefits package:

• Competitive salary and pension scheme
• Flexible working aligned to the school calendar.
• Friendly, collaborative school community
• Beautiful campus with modern facilities and countryside views
• Free lunches and refreshments during term time
• Discounted school fees
• Free on-site parking
• Salary sacrifice electric car scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
For further information or a confidential discussion, please contact Catherine Hill, retained recruitment partner at Hays Senior Finance. All third-party applications will be forwarded to Hays Senior Finance.Closing date: Monday 27th April, 9:00am # 4784939