Job Description
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a temporary School Finance & Resources Manager to join a well-regarded school in London. This role is vital in ensuring smooth running of financial operations, effective HR administration support, and strong compliance across finance and resources functions. You will play a key part in supporting senior leadership with accurate financial reporting, efficient operational processes, and maintaining high standards across all business support activities.
Key Responsibilities:
* Lead month-end processes including journals, accruals, prepayments, reconciliations, and financial reviews
* Produce management accounts, forecasts, variance analysis, and statutory/annual reporting
* Manage the full purchase-to-pay and income cycles, including invoicing, supplier payments, lettings income, debt management, and cashflow monitoring
* Oversee VAT returns, payroll variations, and ensure alignment between payroll, HR records, and budgets
* Support HR administration including contracts, staffing changes, compliant personnel files, and safer-recruitment checks (DBS, RTW, references, SCR)
* Support early-years/nursery financial processes where needed (billing, funded hours, income tracking)
* Lead procurement, contract management, value-for-money checks, and tender processes
* Maintain strong audit trails and prepare documentation for internal/external audit
* Work collaboratively with administration and operations teams to ensure smooth and compliant school office and finance processes
Ideal Candidate Profile:
* Enhanced DBS required
* Strong experience in school or public-sector finance
* Confident in month-end processes, financial controls, reconciliations and reporting
* Understanding of payroll processes and staffing cost monitoring
* Comfortable supporting HR administration and safer-recruitment compliance
* High level of accuracy, attention to detail and analytical skills
* Strong Excel ability and confidence using finance systems
* Ability to explain finance matters clearly to non-finance colleagues
* Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage competing deadlines
* Professional, proactive, and highly organised
* Strong communication and interpersonal skills
* Ability to work collaboratively and positively in a busy environment
* Adaptable, solution-focused, and able to handle varied responsibilities
Location: SW London
Working Pattern: On-site
Hours: 36 hours per week
Length: Initial 6-week rolling temporary contract
Start: 21st April
Rate: £250–£275 per day (paid via an umbrella)