Academy Business Manager
Start Date: 5 January 2026
Daily Rate (DOE & payroll provider): £175-£214.21
Qualifications / Training
Essential
* Accounting qualification OR business/finance management qualification OR NVQ 3/equivalent (e.g., ILM First Line Management) OR relevant experience
* GCSE Maths & English (C or above/equivalent)
Desirable
* NVQ 4/equivalent (e.g., ILM Skills for Middle Leaders)
Knowledge
Essential
* Excellent numeracy/literacy
* Effective ICT and equipment use
* Knowledge of relevant policies/codes/legislation
* Strong ICT skills: Word, Excel, Outlook; data manipulation
* Ability to manage payroll systems (e.g., Payroll Provider)
Desirable
* Experience using finance systems (e.g., Access Finance)
Experience
Essential
* Finance work in a school/academy
* Finance/HR support in education
* Understanding SCR requirements
* Knowledge of DBS/safeguarding employment checks
* Health & Safety experience in a school/academy
Physical Skills
* Excellent keyboard skills/high-volume data input
Competencies & Other Skills
* Relate well to children/adults
* Effective team working; awareness of school roles/responsibilities
* Ability to self-evaluate and seek development
Key Outcomes / Activities
Provide leadership of school financial and administrative operations, supporting organisation, procurement, compliance, H&S, HR, audits and strategic planning. Requires relevant qualification (or working towards), academy finance experience, budget monitoring, and strong IT/supervisory skills. Must build effective relationships and meet strict deadlines.
Finance & Administration Management
* Oversee invoices, income and financial procedures
* Provide financial planning to Headteacher/SLT/governors
* Manage bi-monthly payroll
* Ensure financial systems, school fund and regulatory compliance
* Lead budget setting/monitoring and provide detailed analysis
* Manage cash collection, banking and investment recommendations
* Interpret financial regulations and advise staff
* Manage internal/external audits and produce reports
* Attend governing body/committee meetings
* Lead administrative functions/systems
* Support facilities, H&S, procurement and compliance
* Liaise with accountants, payroll and auditors
Human Resources
* Coordinate recruitment, adverts and documentation
* Maintain the SCR
* Complete DBS checks and ensure safeguarding compliance
* Manage HR records, data and confidentiality
Administration
* Manage manual/computerised records
* Analyse/evaluate data and produce reports
* Undertake complex IT/word-processing tasks
* Provide administrative/organisational support
* Administer procedures and support service systems
* Complete/submit external forms (e.g., ESFA)
Resources
* Operate equipment/ICT packages
* Manage stock, cataloguing and audits
* Provide advice/guidance to staff/pupils/others
* Research to support decisions
* Assist with money handling for school activities
* Manage facilities administration and support budget monitoring
Additional Responsibilities
* Comply with safeguarding, H&S, security, confidentiality and data protection
* Promote equality and school ethos
* Work with external agencies
* Attend meetings/training/performance development
* Support others using own expertise
* Other duties as directed by the Headteacher
Responsibility for Resources
* Employees: supervise staff
* Financial: access confidential data
* Physical: effective use of resources
* Clients: provide information; manage complex reception issues
Working Conditions
* Office-based; term-time + 2 weeks
Employment Checks Required
* Right to work in the UK
* Evidence of essential qualifications
* Two references
* Medical fitness
* Applicable professional registrations
* DBS safeguarding check