Bursar / Director of Finance & Operations | Halifax | £60,000 - £80,000
This isn't a narrow finance role - and it's not a purely operational one either.
This is a senior leadership position within a well‑established independent school, offering the opportunity to take real ownership of the organisation's financial and operational functions at a pivotal point in its development.
The role sits on the Leadership Team and works closely with the Head and Governors, taking responsibility for finance, operations, HR, risk, compliance and estates. The breadth is significant, the expectations are high, and the impact is meaningful.
This position is fully office‑based in the Halifax area.
The role:
Reporting to Governors via the Head, you will play a key part in shaping and delivering the School Development Plan and ensuring the school remains financially sustainable, operationally sound and strategically aligned.
Your responsibilities will include:
* Leadership of Finance, IT, HR and Operations functions
* Preparation of annual budgets, 3‑year forecasts and long‑term business plans
* Providing financial insight and management information to senior leadership and governors
* Oversight of payroll, asset management and financial policies
* Leadership and development of business support teams
* Acting as a member of the Finance, Audit & Risk Sub‑Committees
* Ownership of risk management, audit, health & safety and regulatory compliance
* Acting as the key liaison with statutory and regulatory bodies
* Strategic oversight of estates, buildings, grounds and facilities
* Supporting capital projects, contracts, lettings and long‑term planning
This is an all‑round leadership role - combining hands‑on delivery with strategic input.
What they're looking for:
The school is open to individuals from different professional backgrounds, provided they bring the credibility, judgement and leadership style required at this level.
You may come from a strong finance‑led background, or from a broader operational or commercial leadership role.
You’ll ideally demonstrate:
* Senior leadership and management experience
* Strong financial awareness and understanding of organisational drivers
* Confidence engaging with senior stakeholders, boards or governors
* Experience operating in complex, high‑expectation environments
* The ability to lead teams, manage risk and deliver change
* Excellent communication, organisation and decision‑making skills
* Absolute discretion and professionalism
* Experience in an educational setting is desirable but not essential.
Salary & structure:
The salary reflects the breadth of the role and is structured as follows:
* £65,000 - £80,000 for candidates bringing a strong finance background and the ability to lead the financial strategy directly
* £60,000 - £65,000 for candidates whose strengths sit more heavily in operations, governance and leadership, with finance supported at a senior level
In both cases, this remains a senior, trusted position within the Leadership Team.
Why this role stands out:
* Key leadership role with genuine influence
* Broad remit across finance, operations, HR, risk and estates
* High visibility with senior leadership and governors
* Long‑term, stable opportunity within a respected institution
* Significant scope to shape how the organisation operates
If you're looking for a senior role with substance, responsibility and long‑term impact - this is well worth a conversation.
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