School Finance Manager

Our client is seeking a qualified (CIMA, ACA, ACCA, Qualified by Experience) full time, permanent, School Finance Manager. You must be professional, detail-oriented and confident in managing all finance operations, budget oversight, and audit preparation. You will playing a vital role in ensuring the smooth financial running of the school, deputising for the Bursar and leading a small finance team. Key Responsibilities: * Maintain oversight of the finance function, ensuring robust financial controls and procedures. * Produce monthly management accounts, budgets/annual budgets, forecasts/re-forecasts, cashflow statements and financial reports for leadership and governance meetings. * Cost and profitability analysis to support decision making. * Manage financial year-end processes and liaise with external auditors. * Oversee billing, purchase/sales/nominal ledgers, banking, and reconciliations. * Lead credit control processes and support debt recovery as needed. * Management of company accounts (Sage 200), banking, petty cash, monthly reconciliation of balance sheet accounts, preparation of documents for a successful audit, trial balance, P&L accounts, monthly credit cards, maintaining Fixed Asset Register * Managing/overseeing the running of payroll (and completion of P11Ds) and pension submissions with accuracy and timeliness. * VAT compliance and oversight of quarterly submissions * Support financial management of trips, events, and associated activities. * Deputise for the Bursar in all financial matters during periods of absence. * Other ad-hoc duties About You: * A qualified finance/accounting professional (e.g. ACCA, CIMA, ACA) or qualified by experience. * Previous experience in a similar finance role with team leadership responsibilities and within an educational or not-for-profit background (essential). * Strong financial reporting, analysis, and reconciliation skills. * Technically confident with accounting systems (Sage 200 desirable) and Excel. * Excellent organisational and time management skills. * Able to work with autonomy, using initiative and maintaining high standards under pressure. * Professional, trustworthy and discreet, with strong interpersonal communication skills. * Familiarity with payroll administration and pension scheme processes. * Understanding of safeguarding responsibilities in child-focused environments. Start: ASAP