The Role

Reporting to the Director of Finance, the Head of Finance acts as a vital link between the finance team and the Senior Management Team (SMT). The role is wide-ranging, encompassing staff management, financial and management accounting, cashflow, compliance, and budgeting.

Your key responsibilities include:

Financial Strategy & Reporting

• Management Accounts: Lead the preparation of monthly reporting for budget holders and termly management accounts for the Finance Committee.
• Reporting: Produce high-quality financial reports, analysis, and commentary for internal and external stakeholders, including Board papers.
• Planning & Budgeting: Play a key role in the annual budgeting and forecasting cycle, long-term planning, and the financial oversight of capital development projects.
• Strategic Support: Assist the Director of Finance in developing and implementing financial strategies that support the College’s educational and commercial goals.

Operational Oversight

• Team Leadership: Manage and motivate the Finance Team of 8, handling recruitment, appraisals for 5 direct reports, and professional training.
• Core Operations: Ensure efficient and accurate operations across billing, purchasing, and credit control.
• Systems & Controls: Oversee financial systems and processes to maintain a robust control environment and accurate records.
• Payroll & Pensions: Manage the payroll process and pension arrangements, ensuring full compliance with HMRC reporting and payment requirements.
• Treasury Management: Manage banking relationships and cashflow to ensure the optimal distribution of cash reserves and accurate recording of investment income.

Governance & Compliance

• Statutory Reporting: Oversee the annual audit and corporation tax processes, preparing statutory accounts in accordance with Charities SORP and FRS 102.
• Taxation: Produce and submit quarterly VAT returns, including partial exemption calculations and capital goods scheme considerations.
• Advisory: Advise senior leadership on financial risk, compliance, and policy development.

About You

We are seeking a qualified, collaborative leader who balances a strategic mindset with a "hands-on" approach to problem-solving and team mentoring.

Essential Qualifications & Experience

• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, or equivalent) with at least 5 years of post-qualification experience (PQE).
• Leadership: Substantial experience in managing finance teams outside of private practice.
• Planning: Demonstrated experience in budgeting, forecasting, and financial modelling
• Communication: Excellent analytical skills with the ability to inform and influence senior stakeholders.

Desirable Experience

• Sector Background: Experience within the independent school, charity, or not-for-profit sectors.
• Investment Management: Knowledge of endowments, and investment management.
• VAT: Specific experience with partial exemption VAT and capital good scheme.
• Systems: Familiarity with AccountsIQ, Lightyear, Pleo and Bankline (or similar platforms).

Personal Attributes

• Collaborative Leader: A proactive leader who engages effectively with both academic and operational colleagues.
• Positive & Flexible: A confident motivator who can mentor staff at all levels and adapt to the needs of a busy school environment.
• Integrity: Committed to the College’s values, educational mission, and the highest standards of discretion.

What We Offer

• Start Date: Flexible start date for the right candidate; preference for commencement as soon as possible.
• Hours of Work: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week, plus additional hours as required to meet the demands of the role.
• Salary: Competitive salary between £70,000 – £80,000 per annum, commensurate with qualifications and experience.

HOW TO APPLY

Only applications completed on the school website will be accepted. Please attach a full CV with your application.

Please note that applications will be dealt with as they arrive. Winchester College reserves the right to appoint before the deadline passes.

Closing date for applications: Midnight Monday 11 January 2026

Interviews are expected to be held during the week of 19 January 2026.

For the full job description and to apply please see here

If you have any questions about this vacancy or the recruitment process, please email recruitment@wincoll.ac.uk.

Please note that the College will be closed from 24 December – 2 January so any enquiries received during this time will be reviewed in the week of 5 January.