Financial Controller

At Talbot Heath, we believe that nothing is beyond reach. We are an extraordinary school where girls are empowered to be curious, compassionate, and courageous, embodying our motto: Curious Minds, Generous Hearts, Adventurous Spirits. From the age of two, our girls begin a transformative journey that nurtures their integrity, compassion, and ambition—values rooted in our founder’s vision of Honour before Honours.

Our unique, girls-only environment allows young women to thrive, free from societal constraints, fostering an atmosphere where intellectual curiosity, emotional well-being, and personal growth are cultivated. With a reputation for innovative thinking and an interdisciplinary curriculum, Talbot Heath encourages girls to explore creativity and deep thinking in an exciting and different way of learning.

Are you an experienced financial professional ready to lead a dynamic finance team in a supportive and thriving environment? Talbot Heath School is seeking a Financial Controller to play a pivotal role in shaping our financial strategy and ensuring robust financial management across the School and our associated company, Rothesay Events Limited.

Reporting directly to the Bursar (COO), you will oversee a team of three finance assistants, delivering high-quality financial reporting, budgeting, and compliance within a strong internal control framework. With responsibilities ranging from preparing management accounts and budgets to identifying cost-saving opportunities and supporting strategic decisions, this role is ideal for a proactive, qualified ACCA, ACA, or CIMA professional. Whether you are taking on your first Financial Controller role or bringing established experience, there is significant scope for growth in this position and in the education sector.

Talbot Heath is a culturally rich and welcoming place to work, offering a supportive environment and opportunities for professional growth. The role provides flexibility to balance your career and personal commitments, along with the added benefit of a generous fee remission for children aged 3–18, enabling your family to be part of our vibrant school community.

If you are a detail-oriented leader with a "can-do" attitude and a passion for driving efficiency and results in a collaborative setting, we want to hear from you!

The successful candidate will be:

·        Qualified and Experienced: A proactive professional, ACCA, ACA, or CIMA qualified, with strong financial acumen and relevant experience, ready to lead and inspire a finance team.

·        Detail-Oriented and Analytical: Possesses excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with a keen eye for detail to ensure accurate financial reporting and compliance.

·        Collaborative Communicator: Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to explain complex financial information to non-financial stakeholders and work effectively across departments.

·        Organised and Resilient: Thrives under pressure in a busy environment, meeting strict deadlines with a calm and efficient approach to managing responsibilities.

·        Ambitious and Adaptable: Open to growth and development, with a “can-do” attitude and the drive to excel in a dynamic role, whether as a first-time Financial Controller or with established experience.

About Talbot Heath:

●       A leading independent school in Dorset, offering girls aged 2–18 an outstanding education.

●       Beautiful woodland campus located close to Dorset’s stunning coastline.

●       Selective school with excellent academic results at both GCSE and A Level.

●       Renowned for its strong pastoral care system where the well-being and happiness of each student is paramount.

Position: Permanent, all year round with a flexible working schedule

Start Date: As soon as possible         Application Deadline: 5th January 2024

Further details can be found in the Job Description. We offer a competitive remuneration package reflective of the role and responsibilities, alongside additional benefits such as a generous fee remission for children aged 3–18 and flexibility to support a healthy work-life balance.

Please note that we reserve the right to close the advert early if we find the right candidate before the stated deadline. We encourage early applications to avoid disappointment.

For further information contact Andrea Pittam, HR Manager at hr@talbotheath.org 01202 761881

At Talbot Heath, every girl is encouraged to embrace her strengths, challenge herself, and become a confident and compassionate global citizen. Join us and help shape the future of our girls!

What We Offer:

●       Talbot Heath School is an independent girls' school for ages 2-18, situated in beautiful woodland grounds in Bournemouth. You will benefit from working in a peaceful environment, just a short distance from the town centre, with free on-site parking.

●       Complimentary lunch provided daily in our staff dining room, featuring a freshly cooked hot meal and a salad bar.

●       Discounted membership to the nearby West Hants Club, offering access to excellent sports and recreational facilities.

●       Complimentary use of our on-site swimming pool during the Sunday staff session.

●       Complimentary access to our on-site gym facilities.

●       Discount on school fees for your children, subject to the school’s admission process and fee remission policy.

●       Complimentary after-school childcare for staff with children in Kindergarten and above.

●       50% discount on Supercamps Holiday Clubs for Talbot Heath staff.

●       Occupational sick pay scheme.

●       Company stakeholder pension scheme.

Talbot Heath School is unable to employ anyone who does not have the legal right to live and work in the UK. This evidence most be produced at the interview stage of the process.

Talbot Heath School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment and has an Equal Opportunity Policy. The successful applicant will require an Enhanced DBS check.

This position will involve regular contact with children and therefore is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exemptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020. It is an offence to apply for this role if barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children.

Talbot Heath is a registered charity (number 283708) existing to provide high quality education for children.