Finance Manager

Are you an experienced school or public‑sector finance professional who enjoys running a well‑organised finance function, keeping systems accurate, compliant and efficient — without the pressure of being the strategic lead? Following a long‑serving colleague’s retirement, we are seeking a skilled and dependable Finance Manager to join our established finance team and play a central role in the day‑to‑day financial operations of the school. Working under the direction of the Vice Principal: Finance and Business (VPFB), responsible for a Finance Assistant you will take responsibility for operational finance delivery, ensuring that processes run smoothly, deadlines are met, and high standards of accuracy, compliance and probity are maintained at all times. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys hands‑on finance management, problem‑solving, and supporting colleagues — without the expectation of leading on financial strategy, presenting to trustees, or carrying overall accountability.

About the Role Required to: Manage the day‑to‑day running of the finance office, ensuring robust financial controls Support budget monitoring and provide clear financial information to the VPFB and budget holders Oversee core finance functions including: Payroll processing (EduPay) VAT, and HMRC returns Payments, income, reconciliations and journals Bursary and grant administration Ensure compliance with financial policies, audit requirements and the Academy Trust Handbook Line‑manage and support the Finance Assistant Maintain accurate asset registers, records and systems Strategic financial planning, reporting to trustees, and final financial accountability remain with the VPFB, allowing this role to focus on strong operational delivery. About You You will be: An experienced finance professional with a solid practical understanding of accounting processes Confident working in a structured, regulated environment Highly organised, accurate and discreet, with excellent attention to detail Comfortable supporting non‑finance colleagues and explaining processes clearly Ideally experienced in a school, academy or public‑sector setting (though this is not essential) This role would suit: A Senior Finance Officer ready for a broader operational role A Finance Manager who prefers delivery over strategy Someone seeking stability, clarity of responsibility, and a supportive leadership structure