Finance Manager (Fareham)

Finance Manager Location: Fareham, with a requirement to travel to schools across the Trust if required Contracted hours: 37 hours per week Working hours: Monday to Thursday 8.00am to 4.00pm, and Friday 8.00am to 3.30pm Weeks per year: 52 weeks Salary: Grade F - £41,983 to £46,564 subject to experience This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced finance professional to join The Gateway Trust as a Finance Manager. You will play a key role in the effective and efficient management of day to day school and Trust finances, covering management accounts, payroll, income receipt, invoicing, bank reconciliations and VAT returns. Reporting to the Finance Director, you will provide financial and administrative support to the Trust, helping to ensure all processes and procedures are carried out in line with the Academies Financial Handbook. You will also have line management responsibility for part of the Finance Team. You will be based at Fareham, with a requirement to travel to other academies within the Trust as and when required. Key Responsibilities Implement the financial decisions of the COO, CEO and Trust board, and advise Headteachers on academy financial policy and long-term financial strategy. Create and manage the detailed annual budget for the school alongside Headteachers, and support the Finance Director in preparing the 3 year budget plan. Produce monthly management accounts for the COO and Headteachers, and provide end of month reporting to Heads of Department. Oversee purchasing, invoicing and payment arrangements, including the administration of the payment run to suppliers via BACS. Reconcile academy bank account(s), control accounts and the trial balance on a monthly basis, and maintain the fixed asset register. Prepare the monthly VAT return for the Trust in line with Making Tax Digital requirements. Support and produce the monthly payroll, including pension contributions, end of year certificate updates and payslip comparison reports. Liaise with external auditors and support the Finance Director in preparing the annual audited accounts. Provide leadership and line management for part of the Finance Team, fostering a culture of professionalism and continuous improvement. Keep abreast of changes to, and ensure compliance with, the Academies Financial Handbook. About You Proven experience in a similar finance or accounting role, ideally within an education or public sector setting. Previous line management experience and experience of administering a Purchase Ledger. AAT Level 4 in Accounting, an Accounting Degree, or a minimum of 5 years' experience in an equivalent setting (ACA, ACCA or CIMA desirable). Experience of data entry and reporting using an accounting system, with strong analytical and problem solving skills. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to deal with confidential and sensitive information with tact. Outstanding attention to detail, ac