Finance Manager

Location: London

Hours: Full time

Start date: ASAP

We are working with an established independent school in London who are looking to appoint an experienced Finance Manager to join their team.

Reporting to the Director of Finance and Operations, you will take responsibility for the day to day financial management of the school, overseeing the finance team and ensuring accurate financial reporting, strong financial controls and effective budget management.

This is a varied role combining hands on financial management with budgeting, reporting, team leadership and supporting wider business decisions.

Key responsibilities

• Overseeing the day to day finance function, including purchase ledger, sales ledger, payroll, bank reconciliations and general ledger

• Managing the monthly management accounts process, including journals, VAT postings and balance sheet reconciliations

• Preparing and monitoring annual and longer term budgets, working closely with senior leadership

• Producing regular financial reports and analysis to support decision making

• Monitoring income and expenditure, identifying variances and highlighting areas for potential cost savings

• Supporting financial planning and forecasting

• Ensuring financial systems, procedures and internal controls are maintained and effective

• Coordinating internal and external audits and ensuring compliance with financial regulations

• Managing and supporting the finance team, providing guidance and developing staff

• Reviewing existing processes and identifying opportunities to improve efficiency across the finance function

• Working with senior stakeholders, external auditors, suppliers and other departments across the school

About you

• Ideally ACA, ACCA, CIMA or ATT qualified, or qualified by relevant experience

• Previous experience in a Finance Manager or senior finance position

• Experience working within education or a similar multi departmental organisation would be advantageous

• Strong knowledge of budgeting, management accounts, financial reporting and financial controls

• Experience managing and developing a small finance team

• Confident working with senior stakeholders and presenting financial information clearly

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to identify issues and recommend improvements

• Highly organised, approachable and able to manage competing priorities

The opportunity

This is an excellent opportunity to join a well established educational organisation in a key finance position, working closely with the Director of Finance and Operations and contributing to the wider financial planning and performance of the school.

The role would suit someone who enjoys taking ownership of a finance function, supporting a team and having involvement in both the operational and strategic side of finance.