Bursar / Director of Finance & Operations
New Today
Bursar / Director of Finance & Operations | Halifax | £60,000 - £80,000
This isn't a narrow finance role - and it's not a purely operational one either.
This is a senior leadership position within a well‑established independent school, offering the opportunity to take real ownership of the organisation's financial and operational functions at a pivotal point in its development.
The role sits on the Leadership Team and works closely with the Head and Governors, taking responsibility for finance, operations, HR, risk, compliance and estates. The breadth is significant, the expectations are high, and the impact is meaningful.
This position is fully office‑based in the Halifax area.
The role:
Reporting to Governors via the Head, you will play a key part in shaping and delivering the School Development Plan and ensuring the school remains financially sustainable, operationally sound and strategically aligned.
Your responsibilities will include:
Leadership of Finance, IT, HR and Operations functions
Preparation of annual budgets, 3‑year forecasts and long‑term business plans
Providing financial insight and management information to senior leadership and governors
Oversight of payroll, asset management and financial policies
Leadership and development of business support teams
Acting as a member of the Finance, Audit & Risk Sub‑Committees
Ownership of risk management, audit, health & safety and regulatory compliance
Acting as the key liaison with statutory and regulatory bodies
Strategic oversight of estates, buildings, grounds and facilities
Supporting capital projects, contracts, lettings and long‑term planning
This is an all‑round leadership role - combining hands‑on delivery with strategic input.
What they're looking for:
The school is open to individuals from different professional backgrounds, provided they bring the credibility, judgement and leadership style required at this level.
You may come from a strong finance‑led background, or from a broader operational or commercial leadership role.
You’ll ideally demonstrate:
Senior leadership and management experience
Strong financial awareness and understanding of organisational drivers
Confidence engaging with senior stakeholders, boards or governors
Experience operating in complex, high‑expectation environments
The ability to lead teams, manage risk and deliver change
Excellent communication, organisation and decision‑making skills
Absolute discretion and professionalism
Experience in an educational setting is desirable but not essential.
Salary & structure:
The salary reflects the breadth of the role and is structured as follows:
£65,000 - £80,000 for candidates bringing a strong finance background and the ability to lead the financial strategy directly
£60,000 - £65,000 for candidates whose strengths sit more heavily in operations, governance and leadership, with finance supported at a senior level
In both cases, this remains a senior, trusted position within the Leadership Team.
Why this role stands out:
Key leadership role with genuine influence
Broad remit across finance, operations, HR, risk and estates
High visibility with senior leadership and governors
Long‑term, stable opportunity within a respected institution
Significant scope to shape how the organisation operates
If you're looking for a senior role with substance, responsibility and long‑term impact - this is well worth a conversation.
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- Location:
- Halifax
- Job Type:
- FullTime