Finance Manager
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Finance Manager at a dynamic, vibrant school known for promoting the arts. This role offers the chance to lead financial operations within a forward-thinking educational environment, ensuring all fiscal responsibilities are met and that financial processes support the school’s educational mission. The successful candidate will work closely with senior leadership to maintain robust financial governance and play a critical role in the school's growth.
Your missions
Role Description
As Finance Manager, you will oversee the entire financial management of the school, ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations, including the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA), Charities Commission, and Companies House. You will collaborate with the Executive Head and the Human Resources team on payroll processing, manage the school’s pension schemes, and handle financial reporting. You will also work closely with school governors and the Advisor on Commercial Strategy, ensuring all statutory reports are prepared and submitted in a timely manner.
Key responsibilities include:
Managing payroll, pensions, and statutory returns (e.g., P35, P60).
Regularly reviewing financial policies to align with legislation and best practices.
Preparing monthly management accounts and cash flow reports.
Reporting to the Resources Committee and Governors with financial insights.
Supporting the external audit process and conducting internal audits.
Overseeing accounts payable/receivable functions and managing financial staff.
Ensuring compliance with insurance, VAT reclamation, and contract management.
Your profile
Required Profile
We are seeking a highly experienced and dedicated financial professional who has worked in the Education Sector within the past five years. The ideal candidate will be ACA, ACCA, or CIMA qualified (or part-qualified) and possess strong knowledge of financial regulations within education.
The ideal candidate will also have:
Proven experience in financial management, particularly within the education sector.
A solid understanding of payroll processes, pension schemes, and compliance with financial reporting standards.
Advanced knowledge of Sage and Excel.
The ability to produce monthly management accounts, prepare for audits, and provide insightful financial reports to senior leadership and governors.
Strong leadership skills, with experience in managing a finance team.
Excellent communication, organization, and multitasking abilities.
A proactive, self-motivated approach, with the capacity to work independently and meet deadlines.
This is a full-time, permanent role requiring a commitment of 40 hours per week (Monday to Friday). The position offers a competitive salary based on experience and qualifications, alongside additional benefits such as a 20% pension scheme and on-site parking. The successful candidate will need to undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, in line with the school’s commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.