Assistant Finance Manager

Join Our Team as Assistant Finance Manager at The Swan School Are you looking for a fulfilling finance role where your skills can truly make a difference? The Swan School is seeking a bright, enthusiastic, and organised professional to join us as our Assistant Finance Manager. If you are passionate about financial excellence and want to work in a collaborative, supportive educational environment, we would love to hear from you. What This Role Offers Salary and Grade: Grade 11 Hours: 29.6 hours per week (0.8 FTE), term time plus 3 weeks (41.5 weeks per year) Contract Type: Permanent Location: The Swan School Reporting To: School Business Manager This part-time schedule offers an excellent opportunity for work-life balance, giving you the chance to thrive professionally while enjoying the unique benefits of working term time. About the Role In this vital position, you will work hand-in-hand with our School Business Manager and Headteacher to ensure the day-to-day finance functions run like clockwork. You will help maintain our financial systems, champion best practices, and support the brilliant team that keeps our school community moving forward. Your day-to-day highlights will include: Budgeting and Strategy: Assisting with annual budgets, monitoring performance, and helping to identify opportunities for financial efficiency. Core Finance Processes: Overseeing essential month-end duties, managing accounts payable and receivable, and handling bank and credit card reconciliations. Payroll Collaboration: Working closely with the School Business Manager and HR Manager to ensure our monthly payroll runs accurately and smoothly. Community Connection: Communicating kindly and effectively with parents regarding payments and financial support, as well as guiding budget holders across the school. Team Leadership: Supervising and supporting our fantastic Finance Officer, helping them grow through guidance and regular appraisals. Who We Are Looking For We are looking for a proactive team player who has a sharp eye for detail and a warm approach to communication. To fit right in, you should bring: Education: A-level education or equivalent. Being AAT Level 4 qualified, working towards it, or possessing equivalent experience is essential. Experience: A solid background working in a finance department or accounting practice, with hands-on experience managing control accounts, reconciliations, accruals, and prepayments. Technical Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Excel. Experience with accounting packages used in the education sector is a huge plus. Aptitude: The ability to analyse data, solve problems creatively, work independently, and stay calm under pressure when deadlines approach. If you have experience working specifically within a school environment, that is a wonderful bonus, but we welcome all talented finance professionals with the right drive and cor