Business manager

Academy Business Manager Start Date: 5 January 2026 Daily Rate (DOE & payroll provider): £175-£214.21 Qualifications / Training Essential * Accounting qualification OR business/finance management qualification OR NVQ 3/equivalent (e.g., ILM First Line Management) OR relevant experience * GCSE Maths & English (C or above/equivalent) Desirable * NVQ 4/equivalent (e.g., ILM Skills for Middle Leaders) Knowledge Essential * Excellent numeracy/literacy * Effective ICT and equipment use * Knowledge of relevant policies/codes/legislation * Strong ICT skills: Word, Excel, Outlook; data manipulation * Ability to manage payroll systems (e.g., Payroll Provider) Desirable * Experience using finance systems (e.g., Access Finance) Experience Essential * Finance work in a school/academy * Finance/HR support in education * Understanding SCR requirements * Knowledge of DBS/safeguarding employment checks * Health & Safety experience in a school/academy Physical Skills * Excellent keyboard skills/high-volume data input Competencies & Other Skills * Relate well to children/adults * Effective team working; awareness of school roles/responsibilities * Ability to self-evaluate and seek development Key Outcomes / Activities Provide leadership of school financial and administrative operations, supporting organisation, procurement, compliance, H&S, HR, audits and strategic planning. Requires relevant qualification (or working towards), academy finance experience, budget monitoring, and strong IT/supervisory skills. Must build effective relationships and meet strict deadlines. Finance & Administration Management * Oversee invoices, income and financial procedures * Provide financial planning to Headteacher/SLT/governors * Manage bi-monthly payroll * Ensure financial systems, school fund and regulatory compliance * Lead budget setting/monitoring and provide detailed analysis * Manage cash collection, banking and investment recommendations * Interpret financial regulations and advise staff * Manage internal/external audits and produce reports * Attend governing body/committee meetings * Lead administrative functions/systems * Support facilities, H&S, procurement and compliance * Liaise with accountants, payroll and auditors Human Resources * Coordinate recruitment, adverts and documentation * Maintain the SCR * Complete DBS checks and ensure safeguarding compliance * Manage HR records, data and confidentiality Administration * Manage manual/computerised records * Analyse/evaluate data and produce reports * Undertake complex IT/word-processing tasks * Provide administrative/organisational support * Administer procedures and support service systems * Complete/submit external forms (e.g., ESFA) Resources * Operate equipment/ICT packages * Manage stock, cataloguing and audits * Provide advice/guidance to staff/pupils/others * Research to support decisions * Assist with money handling for school activities * Manage facilities administration and support budget monitoring Additional Responsibilities * Comply with safeguarding, H&S, security, confidentiality and data protection * Promote equality and school ethos * Work with external agencies * Attend meetings/training/performance development * Support others using own expertise * Other duties as directed by the Headteacher Responsibility for Resources * Employees: supervise staff * Financial: access confidential data * Physical: effective use of resources * Clients: provide information; manage complex reception issues Working Conditions * Office-based; term-time + 2 weeks Employment Checks Required * Right to work in the UK * Evidence of essential qualifications * Two references * Medical fitness * Applicable professional registrations * DBS safeguarding check