Job type:
Full Time, Permanent
Apply by:
12 November 2024
Job overview
Robert Gordon’s College is an all-through independent school for pupils aged 3 - 18, with an annual turnover of £22 million. Founded in 1750 and situated in the heart of Aberdeen city, the school has over 1,500 pupils in the Nursery, Junior School and Senior School, and employs over 400 staff. The Schoolhill campus extends to 1.5 hectares with a variety of buildings of mixed construction and age, including ‘A’ listed. We also have a stunning 39 acre sports ground at Countesswells, a short drive from our Schoolhill campus. All pupils visit Countesswells on a weekly basis, and it is home to a vibrant programme of sport every Saturday.
The CFO plays a crucial role in shaping strategy to ensure the financial health and sustainability of Robert Gordon’s College. Reporting directly to the Head of College, the CFO leads all financial operations and contributes to key business decisions.
This is a time of significant change for the independent schools sector and the CFO will play a crucial role in leading RGC through the next stage in its development. Identifying opportunities for growth, supporting our public benefit work as a registered charity, and ensuring financial sustainability are all areas where the CFO will have significant responsibility. In particular, the CFO has a key role to play in our bursary programme, which is one of the largest in the UK, and ensures that we remain true to our founding ethos.
The CFO is a key member of the College's Executive and Senior Leadership Teams, working closely with the Head of College and collaborating with other senior leaders including the Head of Senior School, Head of Junior School, Chief Operating Officer, Director of People, and Director of Advancement.
There are four core strategic and operational areas to the remit:
* FINANCIAL LEADERSHIP: the CFO will develop and implement financial strategies aligned with the long term goals of the College and KPIs. Budgeting, forecasting, and regulatory compliance (such as the preparation of annual accounts, and VAT compliance) are critically important. The CFO is required to maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, such as the board of governors, external bursary providers and trusts, auditors and the bank.
* LEADING THE FINANCE DEPARTMENT: The CFO leads the Finance Department, ensuring effective and efficient operations through strong collaboration with key teams. Promoting a culture of continuous improvement, the CFO regularly reviews and refines systems and procedures to uphold best practices. Part of this role involves the implementation and management of digital tools, including financial software and automated systems, to enhance reporting accuracy, efficiency, and facilitate data-driven decision-making.
* RGCTL/ENTERPRISE ACTIVITY: The CFO takes a leadership role on the RGCTL board, collaborating closely with the Head of College, COO, Enterprise Manager, and other stakeholders. They will help develop commercial enterprise strategies aimed at enhancing the College’s non-fee revenue streams and will create management and reporting processes to track progress and outcomes.
* PROPERTY (SUPPORTING COO): The CFO provides financial input into the Capital Investment Appraisal process for major capital projects, focusing on metrics such as ROI and NPV. They will work collaboratively to identify funding sources for projects, considering options such as working capital, bank borrowing, fundraising, third-party contributions, and other funding avenues.
Robert Gordon’s College offers a broad range of benefits in addition to the salary you will receive. These benefits are non-contractual and may be changed by the College. Currently, the benefits provided to employees include:
* Membership of the Aviva pension scheme;
* Generous staff fee discount;
* Life Assurance and Group Personal Accident Insurance;
* Access to a third-party cashback and discount site via RGC email addresses;
* Preferential parking rates at the Bon Accord Centre car parks;
* Family-friendly leave above statutory requirements, including maternity, paternity, adoption leave, and time off for dependents;
* Financial contribution towards the cost of prescription eyewear required for work;
* A Bike to Work scheme;
* A grant towards the cost of purchasing a computer;
* Access to a free and confidential Employee Assistance Programme.
All our roles are subject to a PVG (Protection of Vulnerable Groups) check. A relocation package may be available for the successful candidate. Full details of remuneration and benefits will be made available to candidates who reach the shortlist for interview in the second round.
To apply for this position, please visit our website and submit:
* A completed RGC application form.
* A link to a video of 2-3 minutes in length, outlining your interest in the Chief Financial Officer role at RGC, and stating why you are a strong and suitable candidate.
* Your CV (please include links to any social media channels used for professional purposes, such as LinkedIn).
About Robert Gordon's College
* Address: Schoolhill, Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, AB10 1FE, United Kingdom
* Contact: +44 1224 646 346
Robert Gordon’s College is an independent, co-educational nursery and day school for children aged 3-18 years. It is a school community with a very strong sense of identity, built on our history and tradition of excellence in the city of Aberdeen, with beautiful countryside on its doorstep.
Community
Beyond the history and tradition, at Robert Gordon’s you will find an energy and youthful motivation that offers enthusiasm and effervescence for learning and culture. Our modern, professional learning environment is excellent, with a focus on sharing good practice in learning and teaching, on Continuing Professional Development (CPD), and on achieving the highest possible academic standards. We offer the opportunity to work with well motivated pupils where teaching and learning is at the heart of all our activities and ethos at the school. The extra-curricular life of the school is a crucial part of the pupils' experience and one in which all staff join enthusiastically. Above all, the ethos of the school is welcoming and positive, among staff, parents and pupils.
Robin Macpherson, Head of Robert Gordon’s College shares: “As Head of College, I’m very proud of our school. Our motto translates as “Be all you can be” - and it’s something that we use time and time again in conversations with pupils as they progress through school. We aim to equip and inspire young people for their futures. The whole community is passionate about sharing knowledge, sparking curiosity and inspiring pupils about their future. This is achieved through the extensive range of opportunities available. We’re a family school, and we want you to be happy and successful - in that order.”
Opportunity and Choice
Pupils follow the Scottish curriculum and from the earliest age children are used to active interdisciplinary learning in the class, building confidence through participation. Our new purpose-built Nursery for children aged 3–5 years old opened in August 2019 with specialist teaching in Art, Drama, French, Mandarin, Music and Physical Education. From Primary 1 the curriculum is enriched by specialist teaching in Art, Drama, French, Music, Physical Education and Science. In S1–S2, pupils study a wide range of subjects including all three sciences taught separately and three languages over the course of the two years. In S3–S4, pupils study eight National 5 courses; in S5, pupils choose from 24 Highers and S6 pupils choose from any combination of 32 Highers and 26 Advanced Highers, in addition to curriculum enhancement courses.
Innovation and forward thinking sit comfortably alongside over 250 years of tradition. Since 2009, over £31 million has been invested in facilities across the school to make sure that the classrooms want for nothing in terms of teaching and learning. Robert Gordon’s College represents the best of a traditional Scottish education, but is also a school looking towards the future.
Local school, global outreach
Robin Macpherson highlights: “We’re a local school that thinks globally. We have pupils from the city and the shire, and with Aberdeen’s position in the global energy sector, we’re proud to welcome families from international destinations each year. Diversity is a real strength of our community; 37 nationalities are represented within our school gates. Last year we spent £1.8 million on bursaries enabling pupils from across the north east region to join our senior school. This is a genuinely inclusive school and families from all walks of life contribute to our vibrant community.
“We’re keen that pupils develop their own sense of identity. We want them to discover who they are, and in turn what their place in the world is. We always look to challenge them, and help them to achieve things that they might not think possible. We want them to be brave and adventurous, with a particular focus on learning how to learn, so they can adapt and thrive in an ever-changing world.”
Critical thinking, mentoring and networking
Teamwork, communication and leadership are encouraged to prepare pupils for entering the world of work. Developing an entrepreneurial mindset enables pupils to leave school with confidence and the belief that they can make a positive impact in the world.
Robert Gordon’s College staff and pupils benefit from the experience of former pupils and our global network of partners across the world.
Explore
If you would like to learn more about joining the Robert Gordon’s College family please visit our website where you can explore our city centre campus in Aberdeen and 39 acre sports fields at Countesswells.
Keep up to date with the latest RGC news via Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube. RGC Sport is also on Twitter and Instagram, and RGC Art and Design is on Instagram.
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