Head of Finance

**Head of Finance
- Royal Grammar School Newcastle**

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced individual to join as Head of Finance at RGS Newcastle. This is a role of significant operational importance and presents a fantastic opportunity for a highly motivated and proficient professional to make a lasting impact.

The Head of Finance will play a key role in supporting the financial future of the school, working closely with our finance and operations team to deliver results and foster strong relationships across the organisation. If you are passionate about contributing to our continued success and thrive in a collaborative environment, we would be delighted to hear from you

**There's more to life at RGS...**

In 1525, the Mayor of Newcastle, Thomas Horsley, wrote his will, in which he generously gifted his estate to fund a grammar school. Five centuries later, Horsley’s vision lives on in the Royal Grammar School Newcastle’s corridors and classrooms, and his philanthropic spirit drives the RGS's commitment to education.

Few schools can claim a 500-year history. Over the years, the RGS, has continued to flourish as the premier independent school in the North East of England and as one of the country’s leading schools - consistently topping the regional table for academic excellence.

Today, RGS is a fully co-educational school with over 1,300 students aged 7-18 (Years 3 to 13). Its academically selective places are highly sought after. The school has more than 250 students in the Junior School, which shares the same outstanding site as the Senior School. Its Sixth Form is one of the largest in the independent sector, with more than 340 students.

While RGS prides itself on academic excellence, the school is also known for its emphasis on a holistic education. The school’s ‘There’s More to Life’ approach informs its holistic education, which is central to students’ success, health and happiness.

RGS is based in the heart of Newcastle, immediately opposite Jesmond Metro station. The school occupies over 30 acres of land and has state-of-the-art facilities, including five brand new art studios, a new library, a modern Sixth Form Centre, a 25m swimming pool, two Sports Halls, a Performing Arts Centre, outdoor football/rugby pitches at Mooracres, an artificial turf pitch for hockey and the former County Cricket Ground.

**The Role**

The Head of Finance will support the Director of Finance and Operations with the delivery of the school’s financial and operational objectives.

They will have day-to-day responsibility for the smooth running of the finance systems and functions, ensuring adequate processes and controls are in place. This will include billing, purchase ledger, trading activities, VAT and compliance with statutory obligations such as tax, Charity Commission and wider legal obligations. They will deputise in the absence of the Director of Finance and Operations on all financial matters.

The Head of Finance will be an active participant and contributor to the Finance and Operations team and work collaboratively across the whole school although key relationships will be with the Head of Facilities and Estates, the Head of HR, as well as the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) and School Trustees.

**Main Duties and Responsibilities**

Reporting to the Director of Finance and Operations (DFO), the principal duties of this position are to oversee the efficient operation of our busy Finance Department.

Responsibilities include:

- Providing day to day line management and support for the Finance Team.
- Preparing annual Statutory Accounts, Termly Management Accounts, Budgets, Plans and Forecasts for the School, its Trading subsidiary, and The Educational Trust.
- Preparing financial models as required by the DFO and Governors including cashflow forecasts and income scenarios.
- Tracking KPIs and producing reports on trends, comparative analysis, competitor performance and local and wider markets.
- Responsibility for all aspects of payroll and pension
- including overseeing the monthly payroll and pension uploads, calculating any required adjustments, and ensuring regulations are met.
- Overseeing business continuity of the Finance Department, including working collaboratively with team members to ensure that guides/manuals for all procedures/processes are prepared and maintained.
- Managing, with the DFO, the School’s relationship with the bank, auditors, statutory and regulatory bodies, and providers of financial services (e.g. investment managers, lenders).
- Ensuring compliance with governmental and statutory oversight bodies and regulations on tax, Gift Aid, VAT and other HMRC requirements.
- Alongside the Compliance Officer, ensure all required filings (e.g. Charity Commission, Companies House) and census/benchmarking submissions are accurate and submitted on time.
- Oversee all financial systems (Accounts IQ, Bursary +, Sage Payroll)
- Review and assess bursary awards in conjunction with the Head o