Head of finance
Robert Half are excited to be partnered with Leweston School in their search for a permanent Head of Finance
About Leweston School
Leweston School, located in 46 acres of Dorset countryside, was established in 1891 and is a successful, independent, co-educational day and boarding school, with 633 students from ages 0 to 18.
Life at Leweston is dynamic and enriching, offering a unique educational experience, providing an environment where children feel secure to grow while being challenged to think and act independently. Leweston School encourages its pupils to engage with all opportunities available, to nurture their talents and help them achieve remarkable things.
Leweston School Trust is a charity registered in England as a company limited by guarantee.
About the Role:
Reporting to the Headteacher, the Head of Finance will be responsible for the full breadth of financial management across the Trust. This includes overseeing the preparation of statutory accounts, leading the annual audit, managing budgets and forecasts, and ensuring robust internal controls. You will provide strategic financial insight to senior leaders and Governors, ensuring transparency, compliance, and effective use of resources.
Key Responsibilities:
* Lead preparation of annual statutory accounts in line with Charity and Company law
* Coordinate external audits and act as the main point of contact for auditors
* Develop annual budgets, cashflow forecasts, and multi-year financial plans
* Manage all day-to-day finance operations including payroll, billing, and reconciliations
* Ensure timely and accurate financial reporting, including monthly management accounts
* Strengthen internal financial controls and drive improvements in systems and processes
* Support strategic initiatives with financial modelling, business cases, and analysis
* Oversee tax filings, statutory compliance, and policy reviews
* Line manage and develop the finance team
* Present financial reports to senior executives and Governors
Person Specification:
We're looking for a proactive and detail-oriented finance professional who brings:
* A recognised accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA preferred)
* Proven experience in a senior finance role (e.g., Head of Finance, Financial Controller)
* Strong knowledge of financial management, budgeting, and risk analysis
* Excellent skills in financial software and advanced Excel
* Experience in the education or charitable sector is desirable but not essential
Salary and Benefits
£50,000 - £55,000pa + benefits. Hybrid and flexible working is possible
* Staff Remissions
* Staff discount in the café & school shop
* Free meals
* Excellent pension scheme with Employer contributions up to 12%
* Death in service and income protection benefit
* Free on-site parking
* Use of swimming pool and gym facilities
* 25 days annual leave with additional discretionary time off between Christmas and new year
* Generous sick leave entitlement
Why Join Us?
This is an exciting opportunity to lead a high-performing finance function in a values-driven organisation. You'll play a key role in enabling our strategic goals and ensuring financial sustainability for years to come.
Robert Half Ltd acts as an employment business for temporary positions and an employment agency for permanent positions. Robert Half is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion. Suitable candidates with equivalent qualifications and more or less experience can apply. Rates of pay and salary ranges are dependent upon your experience, qualifications and training. If you wish to apply, please read our Privacy Notice describing how we may process, disclose and store your personal data: roberthalf.com/gb/en/privacy-notice.