Head of Finance
Preamble
This job description is written in accordance with our school strategy. It refers directly to the ‘Organisational optimisation’ strategic pillar and is put together in the context of the Purpose, mission and values.
Purpose | To empower young people to understand, care and create a better future.
Mission | Foster learning with a rich curriculum that develops intellectual, social, physical and creative skills, preparing students for global citizenship.
Our Values
Care | Compassion | Empathy | Looking After One Another | Asking Difficult Questions with Respect | Wellbeing | Happiness
Integrity | Honesty | Fairness | Transparency | Doing Our Part | Respect
Dedication | Commitment | Giving Our All | Going the Extra Mile | Consistency | Showing Up When Things Get Tough | Striving for Excellence
Curiosity | Keep Asking Questions | Drive to Evolve | Inquisitive | Explore Ways to Do Things Better | Keep Learning | Creativity
Head of Finance
Job Advert
We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Head of Finance to join our team. This role is essential in driving the financial management and strategic planning of the organization, ensuring strong financial controls and compliance with statutory regulations. The successful candidate will play a key role in the finance department, working closely with various stakeholders to ensure the financial health and efficiency of the organization while contributing to the overall strategic direction of the school as a member of the Senior Leadership Team of the school.
St. Catherine’s is a leading independent British international school that teaches 1400 pupils from 3 to 18 years of age. The school is a member of HMC, COBIS, and is an IBO world school. It teaches the EYFS curriculum and the National Curriculum for England and Wales, as well as IGCSE and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. The school is a dynamic and exciting community with innovative teaching and learning practice at its core with a strong extra-curricular programme.
Please apply by email, to hr@stcatherines.gr, using the school’s application form. Further information regarding the school, the job description, person specification and details of the application procedure can be obtained from the school’s website http://www.stcatherines.gr/about-us/opportunities/. Please note that we do not accept the simple submission of a CV. Please be aware that you must have the rights to work in Greece. The school does not sponsor visas for this role.
St Catherine’s School 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 ACRO Criminal Records Office. Please include the names and contact details of three referees. Please note that any personal data collected will be used for recruitment purposes only and for unsuccessful candidates’ personal data will be destroyed on completion of the process.
St Catherine’s is a Registered Charity No. 313909.
The closing date for applications Wednesday, 23rd October 2024
Interviews will be arranged at the earliest convenience thereafter.
Head of Finance
Job Description
Reports to: Chief Operating Officer (COO)
Type of contract: Permanent, full-time.
Groups: Senior Leadership Team
Line management of: Finance Team
Place of Work: Upper School
Key Responsibilities:
The Head of Finance is responsible for overseeing all financial activities carried out by the Finance Department, ensuring effective financial management, planning, and reporting.

• Prepare strategic analysis, business plans, and budgets, ensuring they are aligned with organizational objectives.
• Coordinate and maintain strong control over financial and material resources, with regular and timely reporting on financial performance.
• Lead the budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting processes, ensuring the accurate production of management and statutory accounts.
• Manage internal and external audit processes, ensuring full compliance with tax, labour laws, and financial regulations.
• Manage cash flow and banking arrangements, overseeing fee collection, debt management, and revenue streams.
• Oversee procurement and purchasing processes, ensuring proper evaluation, selection, and monitoring of suppliers, and authorization of payments.
• Supervise payroll processing, ensuring accurate and timely payment of wages and compliance with tax and labour laws.
• Provide accurate, timely financial reports and insights to senior leadership and the COO.
• Identify, analyse, and address key financial issues, offering solutions and recommendations to the COO and leadership team.
• Lead the development and improvement of financial systems and software to streamline processes and enhance reporting capabilities.
• Develop and implement financial policies and procedures of internal control to ensure efficiency and compliance.
• Ensure timely fulfilment of statutory filing requirements and participate in benchmarking and census returns.

The Head of Finance will:

• Actively contribute to the continuous improvement process and the development of a quality-driven culture by influencing behaviours, identifying and suggesting process improvements, and encouraging others to do the same.
• Provide mentorship and training to junior finance staff, fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional development within the finance team.
• Undertake any other duties as may be reasonably requested.

Person Specification
Required Skills and Attributes

• A commitment to the safeguarding and wellbeing of children and young people.
• Able to align financial management with the long-term vision and goals of the organization, considering the broader implications of financial decisions, while maintaining a high level of accuracy and thoroughness in all financial reporting and data analysis.
• Exhibits a deep understanding of business operations, coupled with strong financial awareness and the capability to balance program delivery with budgetary constraints.
• A leader and team player who can inspire and develop team members while fostering a collaborative work environment.
• Skilled in building strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, ensuring clear communication and alignment on financial strategies.
• Drive, tenacity, energy, and an appetite for hard work.
• Friendly, empathetic, and approachable with a good sense of humour.
• An interest in (but not necessarily working experience of) the educational sector and an appetite to play an integral role in a school community.

Education, qualifications and experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Finance or Business Administration
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in a Head of Financeial position, preferably within an educational or nonprofit environment.
• A professional qualification (ACCA or CFA) is highly desirable.
• Strong knowledge of financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and reporting.
• Excellent analytical skills with the ability to present complex financial information clearly.
• Knowledge and experience of treasury management including managing loans, liquidity, and cash flow forecasting.
• Experience in managing audits and ensuring regulatory compliance.
• Proficiency in financial management software and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Written and verbal fluency in English and Greek

While the above includes a description of the essential functions of the position, other duties may be assigned by the Chief Operations Officer.
St. Catherine’s British School is committed to the welfare and safeguarding of children. This post is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders (Exceptions) Act 1975, the successful applicant will be required to apply for an International Child Protection Certificate if they are a non-local hire. Local hires are required to complete a Greek criminal record check.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Application Question(s):

• Please note that we only accept CVs in the English language. Kindly confirm that your CV is in English prior to sending.
• Please be aware that you must have the rights to work in Greece. The school does not sponsor visas for this role.

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

• Head of Finance: 5 years (Required)

Language:

• English (Required)
• Greek (Required)

License/Certification:

• ACCA or CFA (Required)

Application Deadline: 23/10/2024
Expected Start Date: 02/01/2025