Director of Finance
Likely
Sponsorship likelihood
This employer has issued visas recently
Not disclosed
Salary
Not disclosed by employer
£75,100
Going rate
Skilled Worker going rate
This role likely qualifies for a Skilled Worker visa
SOC 1131 (89% match) is an eligible occupation, with a going rate of £75,100, and GDST (The Girls' Day School Trust) is a licensed sponsor. That is our reading of the rules. Whether they issue a Certificate of Sponsorship is still their call.
This could also be SOC 2421 (Chartered and certified accountants). We read the code off the advert, so it is our best guess, not the employer's.
New graduate or PhD holder? Pick one of the lower rates.
What each route needs for this job
| Occupation code | New entrant 70% of going rate | STEM PhD 80% of going rate | Relevant PhD 90% of going rate | Standard rate 100% of going rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1131 Financial managers and directors Most likely code | £52,600 | £60,100 | £67,600 | £75,100 |
2421 Chartered and certified accountants Also possible | £34,500 | £39,400 | £44,300 | £49,200 |
We use the lowest threshold across the plausible codes. Likelihood is Possible at most when the pay clears only a lower rate, or only under a less likely code. How the Home Office picks the code
About the role
Hours: Substantially part-time
Salary: Competitive
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 to two days 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. We reserve the right to appoint before the closing date and therefore encourage early applications.
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.
This description is the source posting as it read when we added it. We are not affiliated with GDST (The Girls' Day School Trust), so check their own site for the current details.
Where this offer sits in the market
Financial managers and directors (SOC 1131) · UK · ONS ASHE 2025 · basic pay · ~395k in sample- Middle half £50,856–115,596
- Median £75,972
- Going rate £75,100
- Threshold £41,700
- New entrant £52,600–67,600
Similar sponsored roles
See all UK visa jobsNo close matches live right now.
Browse more sponsored jobs at GDST (The Girls' Day School Trust)About sponsorship for this role
Does this job guarantee visa sponsorship?
Not necessarily. GDST (The Girls' Day School Trust) holds a sponsor licence, but sponsorship for a specific hire is always the employer's decision. Be upfront in your application that you'll require it.
What salary is needed for this role to be eligible?
The offer must clear both the general threshold and the SOC 1131 going rate of £75,100. New-entrant and shortage discounts can lower it.