Heritage jobs in United Kingdom

Required: Easter 2026 (flexible subject to notice periods)

Reporting to: Chief Operating Officer

Hours: Full-Time, Full-Year

Member of: Attends SLT (by invitation)

Closing date: Monday 5th January, 12:00 noon

Interview date: Tuesday 13th January

The King’s School, Gloucester is seeking to appoint an experienced and commercially minded Finance Director (FD) to be responsible for the strategic and operational leadership of the School’s financial management, ensuring sustainability, resilience, and effective stewardship of resources, with strong P&L, balance sheet and cash flow management. As the School’s most senior finance professional, the FD will provide expert advice to the Headmaster, COO, SLT, and Board of Governors, embedding financial strategy into organisational decision‑making.

The postholder will ensure statutory compliance, optimise financial performance, lead on VAT and tax strategy, manage vendor negotiations and relationships, capital investment programmes and support the School in navigating significant sector changes including regulatory shifts and market pressures.

The King’s School is one of the dozen oldest schools in the country and has a proud heritage dating back to at least 1087, with a re-foundation in 1541. King’s is the Cathedral School in the city of Gloucester, whilst the surrounding county is home to many excellent grammar and state schools, as well as other independent schools. King’s is held in high regard amidst this competitive area; our academic, co‑curricular and pastoral attainment is second to none. As a result, the last three ISI reports for King’s have all been classified as ‘excellent’ in every area. Local media brand SoGlos has awarded King’s the title of ‘Independent School of the Year’ or ‘Highly Commended’ in every one of the last five years – a feat unmatched by any other local independent school – most recently winning the title in May 2025. Despite the multiple national‑scale challenges of recent years, King’s has seen its pupil roll growing steadily and parental satisfaction scoring very highly indeed. With careful investment in the campus and facilities, as well as a continuous focus on improving teaching and learning and developing our outstanding pastoral care, King’s is now seen as a dynamic, forward‑thinking and impressive place to study and to work.

As the School’s most senior finance professional, the FD will undertake a range of duties relating to Strategic Leadership, Financial Planning & Management, Financial Operations & Controls, Governance & Reporting, Sector Insight & Continuous Improvement.

For full details, please refer to the applicant information pack.

The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate the following qualities and experience:

• Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent);
• Significant senior leadership experience in finance, ideally within education, charity or complex multi‑stakeholder organisations;
• Demonstrable ability to deliver strategic financial planning and robust long‑term forecasting;
• Strong knowledge of VAT, tax and regulatory frameworks affecting independent schools (or readiness to rapidly acquire expertise);
• Proven experience leading and developing a high‑performing team;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, inclusive of reporting to non‑financial audiences;
• Commercially aware, able to identify efficiencies and income‑generating opportunities;
• High integrity, resilience, sound judgement, and a commitment to safeguarding and ethical governance.

The following qualities are also desirable:

• Experience within the independent school sector or wider education sector;
• Experience working with Boards/Governors, including audit and finance committees;
• Experience in capital project planning, mergers, or acquisitions;
• Familiarity with charity accounting and SORP requirements;
• Experience with school finance systems (e.g., iFinance, Staffology, iSAMS, other MIS).

The salary offered will be competitive – reflective of the significance of this role in a leading HMC independent school – and will depend on skills and experience.

• Annual holiday entitlement of 25 days plus statutory bank holidays, rising to 30 days after five years’ service;
• Staff fee remission for children at King’s;
• Before and After‑School care for children at King’s when School is in session;
• Contributory employer’s pension scheme;
• Cycle to Work scheme;
• Lunches when School is in session;
• Opportunity to participate in gym membership;
• Employee Assistance Programme;
• Free parking on‑site;
• Appointment with the School Doctor if required.

Candidates should apply through TES or by submitting a completed School Application Form and Covering Letter via email to recruitment@thekingsschool.co.uk. A CV is not required.

Closing date for applications is Monday 5th January at 12:00 noon, with interviews taking place on Tuesday 13th January. Candidates are advised that the School is on Christmas break from Monday 15th December to Friday 2nd January inclusive; applications received during this period may experience a slight delay in their acknowledgement.

For further information, please contact Mr Harry Fuller on 01452 337337 or via email to recruitment@thekingsschool.co.uk.