Gateways School
England
Salary:
Competitive salary, reflective of qualifications and experience.
Job type:
Full Time, Permanent
Start date:
03 November 2025
Apply by:
13 October 2025
Job overview
We are looking to recruit an experienced Financial Controller to join our School as soon as possible.
Gateways School is a leading independent day school for around 500 pupils aged 2–18 years. Established in 1941, Gateways is situated on a 16 acre site in the beautiful village of Harewood and benefits from easy access to the Golden Triangle, the city of Leeds and the spa town of Harrogate.
Reporting to the Head, the Financial Controller is a critical senior member of staff at the school and plays a vital role in the school's strategic planning.
Gateways is both happy and successful with a strong sense of community throughout. The school is flourishing in all areas with excellent academic standards and a broad range of extracurricular activities, all of which helps to ensure a strong pupil roll and healthy financial situation.
The post holder will be responsible for the effective leadership and management of the day-to-day finance function at the school and will also oversee risk management and the generation of non-fee income.
The successful candidate will be an individual of proven leadership ability, a strategic thinker, innovative and highly practical, displaying resilience and tenacity in equal measure, they will possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Exceptional financial acumen and robust commercial judgement will be essential.
Key Responsibilities include
* Lead the school's finance function, including budgeting, forecasting, payroll, billing, credit control, and management account reporting.
* Prepare annual budgets and statutory accounts; lead monthly management accounts and termly billing.
* Oversee risk management, cash flow, and treasury functions.
* Manage audits, ensure compliance with the Charities Commission, HMRC, Companies House, and other regulatory bodies.
* Line-manage the Finance Department and support staff.
* Act as Company Secretary and oversee financial systems and contracts.
* Support non-fee income generation and monitor the financial viability of school activities and services.
Person Specification
Essential:
* Accountancy qualification (e.g. ACA, ACCA, CIMA)
* Proven leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills
* Proven experience in financial management, budgeting, and reporting
* Advanced Excel and financial software proficiency
Desirable:
* Experience in private education or charity sector financial management
* Knowledge of school-specific regulatory and safeguarding frameworks
Please view the Applicant Information Pack (selection criteria document) for more details, including the full job description and full person specification for this role.
Start Date: As soon as possible.
Working Hours: Full time (40hrs), all year round.
Salary: Competitive salary, reflective of qualifications and experience.
Application Deadline: Applications will close once suitable candidates have been identified.
Gateways School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of its students and expect all staff and volunteers to share the commitment. Appointments will be subject to an enhanced DBS with barred list check as well as a Prohibition List check (where applicable).
Please note, we are handling recruitment for this role in-house and will not be accepting agency applications at this time - thank you for your understanding.
Recruiter contact:
Email us
Call us
About Gateways School
Gateways School
Harewood, Leeds
West Yorkshire
LS17 9LE
United Kingdom
Gateways is situated in an enviable countryside location, but retains close links to both Leeds and Harrogate
Gateways is a friendly, welcoming, close-knit school community that achieves excellent academic results year on year.
Students of all ages develop to their full potential in a challenging, rigorous yet supportive environment and are encouraged to become responsible and caring citizens through our Community Outreach programme and to treat others with respect and kindness. Gateways welcomes students of all faiths and none.
Staff are supported through a comprehensive Professional Development Scheme
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