Director of Finance & Operations

New Hall School is a thriving co-educational boarding and day school for up to 1,500 students aged 1 to 19. Founded in 1642, it is the largest Catholic boarding and day school in the UK. Located just outside Chelmsford city centre and well connected to London, it is set in 70 acres of stunning parkland and heritage gardens, dominated by the former Tudor Palace of Beaulieu.

Pioneering since its foundation, New Hall has continued to innovate under the dynamic leadership of the Principal, Mrs Katherine Jeffrey – establishing the New Hall Multi Academy Trust (NHMAT), becoming sponsor of nearby Messing Primary School in 2012, and acquiring an additional 70-acre site in 2023.

New Hall is now seeking to appoint a highly motivated Director of Finance & Operations. The successful candidate will be a qualified accountant with a proven track record of senior leadership and strategic financial capability in a complex environment. The DFO is a pivotal member of the Senior Leadership & Management Team and reports to the Principal.

The DFO will manage the School’s finances and be responsible for the effective and efficient use of its resources. The School has ambitious plans for the future, and excellent financial leadership will be vital to achieving this. In addition, the DFO will have oversight of IT, catering, housekeeping, security, transport and commercial activities. They will possess impressive financial acumen, enjoy working collaboratively and have the experience and skills to thrive in a dynamic and fast-paced working environment. Outstanding relationship-building and communication skills coupled with robust commercial judgement will be essential.

Prior experience in the education sector would be beneficial but is not a prerequisite, and applications are encouraged from candidates with commercial, charitable, private-sector and public-sector backgrounds. While the successful candidate is not required to be Catholic, they will have a commitment to New Hall’s Catholic ethos and demonstrate empathy with independent education.

Interested candidates are invited to contact RSAcademics to arrange an informal and confidential discussion about the role:

• Susannah Thompson: susannahthompson@rsacademics.com

Further information and details of how to apply can be found on the RSAcademics website at: www.rsacademics.com

Closing date: 10.00am on Monday 25th November 2024.

New Hall School is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure & Barring Service.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020.

The safeguarding responsibilities of this post are detailed in the candidate information brochure.

RSAcademics is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and to promoting diversity and inclusion in schools.