Head of Finance

Following the retirement of the current post holder, Dollar Academy, one of Scotland’s leading independent day and boarding schools, is looking to appoint an exceptional Head of Finance.

Dollar Academy is a fast-paced and exciting place to work. There is always something new on the go; we drive ourselves hard to achieve excellence in all areas for the benefit of our entire community, but especially for our pupils. The Head of Finance will be at the very centre of almost everything that goes on and will need to be hard-working, resourceful and self-motivated. Dollar is a warm and welcoming environment, and the successful candidate must have the ability to motivate, help and inspire others, and form friendly, effective working relationships with staff, parents, pupils, former pupils and Governors. They will be paramount in the Academy’s continuing success and with lots of exciting projects underway, the Head of Finance has an exciting and influential role to play.

As our unofficial motto has it: Work hard, be kind, get involved.#

AN INTRODUCTION TO DOLLAR ACADEMY

Dollar Academy has been a co-educational day and boarding school since its foundation in 1818. Today, it provides an exceptional all-round education to around 1,300 pupils aged 5-18. Our focus is on encouraging the individual talents and ambitions of every young person, in a positive and supportive environment that fosters the development of transferable skills, self-confidence and strong personal values. A belief in developing the whole person is central to the Dollar ethos.

Governors are both elected and co-opted, cover a wide range of expertise and represent a variety of constituencies. As well as an Executive Committee, there are a number of other committees and working groups, specifically focusing on health and safety, child protection and investments.

The school’s location is undoubtedly one of the most scenic in the country, set against the Ochil Hills and the historic Castle Campbell, but within easy reach of the major towns of the Central Belt and just 40 minutes from Edinburgh Airport. With around 1300 pupils and 250 staff from Scotland and around the world, the Dollar community is welcoming and vibrant. The whole school sits within a single, stunning 70-acre campus.

The school is in a strong financial position, with no debt.

ROLE DESCRIPTION

The Head of Finance is responsible to the Bursar for the efficient, accurate, and timely management and delivery of all financial activities on both a day to day and a strategic basis. This will include the production of management accounts and drafting the annual budget, in conjunction with the Bursar. To assist in these tasks the office has three further finance staff working respectively on payroll, fees and purchase ledger. The Head of Finance will liaise widely with a variety of members of staff to assist them in the financial aspects of their work from managing departmental budgets to setting up trips and tours.

Day to day responsibilities are detailed in the Job Specification which is attached.

LIVING & WORKING IN DOLLAR

Dollar is a most attractive place to work. The quality of the surrounding countryside is outstanding and the town itself has considerable scenic charm. It is well provided with local amenities. Ease of access means that is very easy to take advantage of all that Edinburgh, Glasgow and Stirling have to offer.

Dollar Academy is very much at the heart of the town – it is a major local employer and values highly its relationship with the wider community.

The school itself is a friendly, hard-working and committed community of staff and pupils who enjoy professional and productive working relationships.

SALARY & BENEFITS

This post is full time, all year round and permanent, with a competitive remuneration package which includes access to Local Government Pension Scheme, reduction on school fees, personal accident and life insurance cover, free access to facilities; including pool and gym and EAP and retailer discount scheme.

APPOINTMENT PROCESS & HOW TO APPLY

Applicants should complete the Academy’s Support Staff Application Form (downloadable from the Academy’s website – www.dollaracademy.org.uk/vacancies) and also provide a covering letter. These should be emailed to reruitment@dollaracademy.org.uk or posted to Julie Duncan, Human Resources Manager, Dollar Academy, Dollar, FK14 7DU, Clackmannanshire, Scotland.

The closing date for applications is Monday 29th August 2022. First stage interviews will take place on Monday 5th and Tuesday 6th September. Candidates who have been selected for interview will be contacted by Wednesday 31st August.

All appointments are subject to receipt of a satisfactory PVG Scheme Record or Scheme Record Update from Disclosure Scotland.