Director of Finance and Estates

We are seeking to appoint an exceptional Director of Finance and Estates to work with the Headteacher and Trust Board at Southend High School for Boys.
The Director of Finance and Estates will provide high quality leadership and management of the Trust's Finance and Estates functions, ensuring that the Trust runs efficiently and effectively in delivering its educational vision, aims and objectives.
The role:
• Advising the Headteacher, Trust Board and other school leaders on all matters relating to financial operations and estates;
• Ensuring that sound, appropriate and effective risk management arrangements are in place;
• Ensure that budgets are prepared and monitored appropriately and efficiently, and that annual accounts are delivered in accordance with the Academy Trust Handbook, the EFSA guidelines fulfilling all statutory requirements;
• Effective leadership and management of the finance team; and
• Effective leadership and management of the estates team, ensuring that all aspects of our estate, including areas such as health and safety, building projects and catering contracts are run smoothly and efficiently across the site.
The candidate:
The successful candidate will lead the promotion and delivery of good financial management ensuring that public money is used appropriately, efficiently and effectively at all times.
The right candidate will be passionate about education, setting a clear vision for finance and estates at Southend High School for Boys that is rooted in the core values of the school. They will also be a creative thinker, with an innovative approach to problem solving.
The ideal candidate will be experienced in a senior financial role and hold an accounting qualification. Previous school/trust finance experience is essential.
The postholder will responsible to the Headteacher.
Organisation benefits:
• Auto-enrolment into a contributory pension scheme (LGPS for support staff, employer contribution 25%)
• Free on-site parking
• Cycle to work scheme
• CPD through internal and external providers (including a subscription to National College)
• Employee Support Programme offering a range of retail discounts and vouchers, a 24/7 confidential advice line, and opportunity for structured counselling sessions.
• Access to apply for Blue Light Card
• Specsavers Eye care vouchers
• Free use of the sports facilities
Key terms
Hours: 37 per week full time; exact working hours are negotiable with the successful candidate.
Location: the post is based on site within the school. It is anticipated that full time presence will be required during the initial months of appointment, however it may be possible to consider a degree of flexible working from home in later months.
Start date: Required for June 2025
Holiday entitlement: The annual holiday entitlement for this post starts at 27 days plus bank holidays (April to March) and increases to 30 after 5 years' service. Previous local government service under the Modification Order will apply to annual leave entitlement.
Remuneration: The post is paid on Essex Schools' Local Government Pay Scale 12-13 within range of Points 43-49 (£51,515 to £61,328). A starting salary Point would be negotiable depending on skills and experience.
Recruitment process:
Please see our website for the full job pack containing the job description, person specification and further information.
Applicants must complete the application form in full and submitted to the school by no later than midday on the closing date of 9th May 2025. Please note CV's alone cannot be accpeted - you must complete the application form from our website and email it (for safeguarding reasons).
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend a face to face interview at the school.
Contact:
Applicants who require further information should contact the HR Manager via the email address found on the website or telephone (). We are happy to arrange visits to the school in advance of any interview process