Working at Gordon's

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. The CFO will also act as Clerk to the Board of Governors.

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 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.

Apply online using the application form above.

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. 

Please note that a psychometric test will be part of the recruitment process. Also, all our roles are subject to a PVG (Protection of Vulnerable Groups) check, provision of suitable references, and a background social media 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.