Director of Finance

Location: Brighton, East Sussex, with travel to Sutton one day per week

Hours: Substantially part-time

Start Date: As soon as possible

Brighton Girls’ and Sutton High School are looking for an outstanding Director of Finance to provide strategic financial leadership across these high-performing members of the Girls’ Day School Trust. The GDST is the UK’s leading family of independent girls’ schools, with a long-standing commitment to excellence and innovation in girls’ education.

The Director of Finance sits on the senior leadership teams of both schools and plays a central role in their long-term strategic development and planning. The post-holder will lead financial planning and performance, provide high-quality insight and challenge, and ensure that resources are used effectively to support the ambitions of both schools. The role includes budgeting, forecasting, management accounts and longer-term financial planning, alongside leadership of the finance and business administration teams.

We are looking for a qualified accountant who combines excellent technical and commercial judgement with outstanding people skills. The preferred candidate will be an experienced and confident leader, able to develop high-performing teams, build strong relationships and communicate complex financial information clearly to a wide range of stakeholders. They will also have a strategic mindset combined with a willingness to get into the detail when needed. Experience within the education sector is desirable but not essential.

The role will be based primarily at Brighton Girls, with regular travel to Sutton High School one day per week. The role is offered on a 0.6–0.8 FTE basis, with flexibility to agree a working pattern that works for both the successful candidate and the schools.

The closing date for applications is Wednesday 7 October 2026.

The GDST is committed to diversity, inclusion and real change: a family where every individual is valued, respected and included.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the DBS. Applications will be considered only from candidates who are eligible to work in the UK.

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