Finance Manager

What we’re looking for: We are looking for a Finance Manager to lead and manage the school’s financial operations, ensuring compliance with the Academies Financial Handbook and Trust financial regulations. The role will oversee budgeting, financial reporting, payroll, and day-to-day financial management while providing clear, accurate financial information to senior leaders. You will ensure strong financial controls, effective use of resources, and value for money across the school. The post also involves close collaboration with the Trust finance team, auditors, and external suppliers. The ideal candidate will have: The ideal candidate will hold a relevant accounting qualification (CIPFA or AAT Level 3/4) and have significant senior-level financial management experience, ideally within education or the public sector. They will be highly analytical, confident in using Excel and finance systems, and able to present complex financial information clearly. Strong leadership skills, experience of managing staff, and the ability to influence and advise senior stakeholders are essential. The candidate will be proactive, resilient under pressure, and committed to safeguarding and the values of the Trust. Location: This is based at Saffron Valley Collegiate East, Selsdon Park Rd, South Croydon CR2 8JQ. Please note that all SVC staff can be deployed across the collegiate to meet the needs of our pupils. Why join us? This is an opportunity to join a team committed to working with some of the most vulnerable school children in Croydon. You could make a life-changing difference to a young person. The staff at Saffron Valley are dedicated to removing the barriers to learning for our vulnerable children. This is an opportunity to join our team. If you are ready to translate high expectations and quality support for learning for some of the most vulnerable schoolchildren in Croydon into daily practice, this could be your next career move. Benefits The School and Trust can offer you: An organisation with a clear moral purpose to change young people’s lives. The opportunity to work with a dedicated passionate team of professionals. Access to our 24/7 employee assistance scheme. Generous pension scheme. Term-time hours and flexible working. Additional paid week leave in October for wellbeing purposes. Five Year Service award for Support Staff. Teachers’ Pension Scheme or Local Government Pension Scheme. Eye care reimbursement. Eligibility to discount schemes such as Blue Light. A commitment to support you, in developing new skills through a wide range of professional development opportunities and experiences. Safeguarding Statement: Saffron Valley Collegiate is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We particularly welcome applications from underrepresented groups including ethnicity, gender