Job Description
We are seeking a skilled and motivated Finance Manager to join a dynamic public sector organisation based in Sittingbourne, Kent. This is a key role responsible for delivering high-quality financial management, supporting strategic decision-making, and ensuring robust financial controls.
Working closely with the Chief Financial and Operations Officer (CFOO), you will play a vital role in financial planning, budget monitoring, and the provision of accurate and timely financial information to senior stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities
* Produce high-quality budget reports and financial monitoring information for senior leaders and governing bodies
* Support the development and implementation of strong financial systems and controls
* Assist in ensuring compliance with relevant financial regulations and public sector accountability standards
* Contribute to financial planning and long-term forecasting
* Monitor performance against budgets, grants, and income streams
* Provide accurate and timely management information to support decision-making
Main Duties
* Support the central finance function to ensure all processes are completed accurately and within deadlines
* Line manage Senior Finance Assistants, acting as a key point of contact for workload and operational queries
* Assist in the preparation of monthly management accounts and communicate key financial insights to stakeholders
* Monitor and forecast expenditure, identifying and resolving variances with budget holders and senior leadership
* Track income streams, ensuring accuracy and investigating discrepancies
* Reconcile payroll to budgets on a monthly basis and explain any material variances
* Support audit processes and completion of statutory and government returns
* Prepare and review cash flow forecasts
* Develop short, medium, and long-term financial forecasts aligned with government guidance
* Assist with year-end processes, ensuring deadlines are met and communicated effectively
* Maintain and review the chart of accounts to ensure accurate financial reporting
* Support procurement activities, including tendering processes and supplier engagement to achieve value for money
* Assist in maintaining asset registers, accruals, and prepayments schedules
* Ensure adherence to all financial procedures, controls, and relevant regulatory frameworks
* Escalate any suspected financial irregularities or fraud to senior leadership
About You
You will be a fully qualified accountant ideally with experienced gained working in the Education sector. Candidates who are part qualified or QBE with experienced gained in the Education sector will be considered.
This role is subject to an enhanced DBS check.
The organisation offer a competitive salary and benefits package including 28 days holiday plus bank holidays, attractive pension scheme and working hours of 8:30am – 4:30pm Monday – Thursday with a 4pm finish on a Friday!