Shrewsbury School
, Independent School of the Year 2020, has a world-class reputation for all-round excellence. The School is now seeking to appoint a forward-looking
Finance Director
to develop and refine its strategy to ensure long-term financial viability.
Key Responsibilities
* Contributing to the overall direction of the Shrewsbury family of schools through horizon scanning, strategy design and business plan development.
* Driving an improved financial performance from the School and its trading arms in both the short and longer term through diagnosis of financial data and trends.
* Developing short- and long-term cash flow models to ensure a fully integrated and considered set of projections and reporting.
* Leading the financial aspects of capital investment and commercial projects, working collaboratively with capital budget holders to assess all requests and apportioning funds appropriately.
* Overseeing the setting of annual budgets (and associated KPI targets) and the preparation of timely and accurate management reporting.
* Owning the organisation's risk register and ensuring all risks are identified and mitigated.
* Ensuring appropriate internal controls and financial procedures are in place and comply with all financial laws and regulations.
* Overseeing the effective administration of a portfolio of pension schemes and leading the Payroll function, ensuring compliant and timely processing and reporting.
* Working closely with the Director of HR to manage staffing, ensuring accurate costs are forecasted, budgeted and actively managed.
Skills and Experience
* Commercially oriented qualified accountant (ACA, CIMA, ACCA).
* Experience operating at a senior level or leading a finance function in a premium service-led SME.
* Up-to-date knowledge of accounting standards and financial trends affecting the independent school sector.
* Strong IT skills with experience of MS Office applications and finance and payroll systems, alongside advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
* Experience of financial reporting, compliance (including tax), and financial modelling, including multi-variable scenario analysis.
* Proven experience of developing new financial strategies which lead to enhanced revenues or reduced costs and business growth during periods of significant change.
* Extensive breadth of experience at a leadership level in human resources within a large and complex organisation, with experience of payroll and pension management.
* Strong emotional intelligence coupled with the ability to communicate and negotiate effectively with individuals at all levels.
* Proven track record of leading a team, driving performance, accountability and operational excellence, setting clear objectives and addressing underperformance.
* Excellent communication and advisory skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to prepare high-quality reports and provide clear insights and recommendations.
* Highly organised with excellent analytical, problem-solving and project management skills.
Benefits
* 28 days' holiday entitlement per annum, plus statutory bank holidays.
* Access to Shrewsbury School's Pension Scheme (employee 5%, employer 7.5%).
* Private health insurance and life insurance.
* Training and development opportunities.
* Lunch provided in the dining room.
* Free parking and cycle-to-work scheme.
* Discounted gym membership and access to sports facilities.
* Free counselling sessions.
Salary:
Competitive.
Contract:
Permanent, full-time.
Closing date:
9.00am on Monday, 15 September 2025.