The role
We are seeking an experienced and qualified Finance Manager to lead the School's fees function and play a key role within our Finance team on a maternity cover basis for 12 months from November 2026. This role is available on a hybrid working basis where preferred, with a minimum of three days working in the office.
Reporting to the Director of Finance, you will oversee all aspects of fee management, bursaries and debt management, ensuring the efficient operation of the department while delivering an outstanding service to parents and colleagues.
You will join a small, friendly and close-knit finance team of eight, made up of the Director of Finance and Operations, Director of Finance, Finance Manager, Assistant Accountant, Fee Controller, Finance Administrator, Purchase Ledger Officer and Charities Accountant.
This maternity cover role offers the opportunity to work in a supportive and welcoming environment within the school office, set in beautiful grounds. The role also offers flexibility to work from home during the school holidays.
You will lead a small team, line manage 3 people, drive continuous improvement in systems and processes, develop meaningful performance reporting, and ensure compliance with relevant financial regulations. The role also provides the opportunity to contribute to wider strategic initiatives and operational process improvements.
This is an excellent opportunity for a fully qualified accountant with experience of managing financial operations in a large organisation, ideally within the education or charity sector. You will bring strong leadership skills, sound financial and treasury management knowledge, and the ability to communicate confidently with a wide range of stakeholders, including parents, senior leaders and external agencies. You will be comfortable handling sensitive and sometimes complex financial matters with professionalism, empathy and sound judgement, while maintaining the highest standards of accuracy, organisation and customer service.
At The Grammar School at Leeds, you will join a collaborative and supportive community committed to excellence in education and service. As well as leading an important operational function, you will contribute to the wider success of the School by supporting colleagues across the Finance team, deputising for the Director of Finance when required, and helping to ensure our financial processes continue to evolve to meet the needs of our thriving school. If you are looking for a varied and rewarding role where you can make a genuine impact, we would be delighted to hear from you.
Why GSAL?
GSAL is a warm, friendly and values-led community where colleagues feel supported and trusted in their roles.
We take safety and safeguarding seriously, but we also believe in creating a welcoming environment where pupils, colleagues and visitors feel cared for and respected.
We’re proud to be:
One of the Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2026 (Big organisations category)
North Independent School of the Year 2024
Independent School of the Decade 2021
And most of all, we’re proud of the colleagues who make our school a safe, welcoming and purposeful environment every day.
Benefits
We value our team and offer a generous package to support your wellbeing:
25 days annual leave + bank holidays + additional Christmas closure days (usually an extra 3 days)
Option to buy up to 10 additional annual leave days
Aviva pension with up to 10% employer contribution
Training and CPD, including 5+ INSET days
Free private GP appointments via Health Hero
Access to Perkbox (EAP), including counselling, legal and financial advice
Onsite gym, swimming pool and free fitness classes including boot camp, spin and Pilates
Beautiful 130-acre green site for walking and wellbeing
Free onsite parking
Great-value £2.40 colleague lunches plus free tea, coffee and hot chocolate
Discounts through Perkbox, Blue Light Card, Discounts for Teachers and Extras
Generous leave of absence and family-friendly policies
Opportunities to contribute to wider school life, events and colleague initiatives
How to apply
If this role sounds like a good fit for you, we’d love to receive your application.
Please complete the online GSAL application form on our website. For any enquiries, contact [email protected]. Further information and the full job description and person specification can be found in the attached recruitment brochure.
Closing date: 08:00 20 July 2026
Interview date: Week commencing 3 August 2026
