Robertson Bell is delighted to be exclusively partnering with Ibstock Place School in the search for a Head of Finance. Ibstock Place is a leading independent co-educational school known for its strong academic performance, inclusive ethos, and commitment to providing an outstanding educational environment.
With significant investment in facilities and a continued focus on operational excellence, the School is seeking a commercially minded finance leader to play a key role in supporting its long-term financial sustainability and strategic ambitions.
The Head of Finance is a senior leadership position, reporting to the Bursar and working closely with Governors and budget holders across the School. You will provide strategic and operational oversight of the finance function, ensuring robust financial management, high-quality reporting, and effective governance.
Key responsibilities include:
- Lead and manage the finance team, including performance management, development, and succession planning.
- Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning processes, ensuring alignment with the School’s strategic priorities.
- Produce timely, insightful management information with clear narrative to support decision-making.
- Lead the preparation of statutory returns and annual accounts, ensuring compliance with all regulatory and reporting requirements.
- Manage the year-end process and act as the primary contact for external auditors.
- Maintain strong cash flow oversight and prepare accurate cash forecasts.
- Ensure effective financial controls, policies, and procedures are in place and continuously improved.
- Oversee the financial systems environment, ensuring it remains fit for purpose and fully utilised.
- Support and guide budget holders, promoting financial accountability across the School.
- Deputise for the Bursar on financial matters as required.
Candidate Profile
We are seeking a proactive, collaborative, and technically strong finance professional who can operate both strategically and hands-on.
Essential experience and attributes:
- A recognised professional accountancy qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
- Proven experience in a senior finance leadership or management role.
- Strong track record of budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting.
- Experience working with Boards, Governors, or senior stakeholders.
- Excellent understanding of financial controls, compliance, and best practice.
- Demonstrated ability to lead and develop teams effectively.
- Strong communication skills with the ability to present complex financial information clearly.
Desirable:
- Experience within education, charity, or not-for-profit environments.
Why Join Ibstock Place School?
- Opportunity to play a pivotal role in a respected and well-established independent school.
- Broad and varied remit with genuine influence across the organisation.
- Collaborative leadership team and strong organisational values.
- Chance to contribute to the continued development of facilities, services, and financial strategy.
Location & Working Pattern
The role is based on site at the School in Roehampton, South West London, with on-site presence expected to support close collaboration with stakeholders.
Thank you!
The Social Interest Group (SIG) is partnering exclusively with Robertson Bell in the search for a Chief Financial Officer. SIG is a dynamic charity and social impact organisation committed to delivering high-quality services and sustainable impact across the communities it serves. With a focus on long-term growth, transformation and financial sustainability, SIG operates with professionalism, integrity, and a trauma-informed approach. The organisation is committed to fostering an inclusive, collaborative, and innovative culture that empowers staff and promotes excellence.
The Role
The Chief Financial Officer is a pivotal member of the Executive Leadership Team, reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer. You will provide strategic and operational leadership across finance and procurement, ensuring robust financial governance and delivering high-quality insight to support organisational decision-making.
Key responsibilities include:
- Lead SIG’s financial strategy, planning, and operational delivery to drive organisational growth and sustainability.
- Advise the CEO, Board, and senior leaders on strategic financial decisions, presenting complex information in an accessible way.
- Lead financial transformation and improvement initiatives, optimising systems and infrastructure.
- Provide oversight of budgeting, financial reporting, forecasting, and risk management.
- Lead the Finance team, fostering a culture of accountability, innovation and continuous learning.
- Ensure compliance with statutory, regulatory, and charity finance requirements, upholding the highest standards of governance and stewardship of public funds.
- Support income generation, strategic partnerships, and long-term financial planning.
- Maintain and review risk registers, business continuity plans, and organisational performance frameworks.
Candidate Requirements
We are seeking a highly capable, strategic, and commercially aware finance professional with:
- Professional accountancy qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA) with full membership of a recognised body.
- Significant senior financial leadership experience in the charity or not-for-profit sector.
- Proven experience in strategic financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and reporting.
- Experience of leading financial transformation and change programmes.
- Experience presenting complex financial information to Boards and non-financial stakeholders.
- Strong understanding of charity finance regulations, SORP, governance, and compliance.
- Exceptional analytical, project management, and strategic planning skills.
- Ability to lead, influence, and inspire cross-functional teams and senior stakeholders.
- Commitment to SIG’s values, trauma-informed approach, and inclusive leadership.
Desirable:
- Relevant postgraduate qualification in finance, leadership, or management.
- Experience of overseeing IT.
- Experience in income generation, business development, or securing external funding.
Location
Hybrid working with twice a week in-person attendance required at SIG’s head office in London.
Please submit your CV to Robertson Bell, SIGs exclusive recruitment partner.
Registered Charity
101 - 500
Empowering independence through trauma-informed solutions and dynamic partnerships that keep people out of prison, out of hospital and off the streets