Finance Manager
• Full Time
• £50,000–£60,000
Hays Senior Finance are exclusively recruiting for an exceptional opportunity that has arisen for an experienced Finance Manager to join one of Gloucestershires most prestigious independent schools. Reporting directly to the Director of Finance, this pivotal role will lead the operational heart of the Finance Team—driving excellence in financial management, reporting, systems, andernance across aplex and dynamic educational environment.
The Role
The Finance Manager will play a critical part in shaping and delivering the organisations financial strategy.
The successful candidate will:
1. Lead the development and delivery of the annual finance work plan.
2. Maintain and enhance financial policies, procedures, controls, and reporting standards.
3. Play a key role in the implementation of a new finance system, driving process improvements and operational efficiency.
4. Oversee month‑end and year‑end closedown, Balance Sheet reconciliations, and statutory reporting in accordance with FRS102 and Charity SORP.
5. Produce management information, forecasts, KPIs, and analytics to support decision‑making across the organisation
6. Partner with academic,mercial, and support departments to strengthen financial understanding and performance.
7. Manage the College’s annual budget cycle and ongoing monitoring processes.
8. Ensure VATpliance, including partial exemption and Capital Goods Scheme calculations.
9. Lead the external audit process and act as the primary point of contact for auditors.
10. Oversee fees and bursaries processes, ensuring accurate billing, debtor management, and administration of the Fees In Advance Scheme.
11. Manage the Finance Team, supporting development, wellbeing, and continuous improvement.
12. Deputise for the Director of Finance when required.
Person Specification
Qualifications:
13. Fully or part qualified accountant (CIMA, ACCA, ACA or equivalent).
Experience:
14. Minimum 3 years in a senior financial role.
15. Strong IT skills with experience of integrated finance systems.
16. Demonstrable expertise in both management and financial accounting.
17. Proven ability to produce accurate, timely financial information.
18. Experience improving financial processes in a growing or evolving organisation.
Skills & Attributes:
19. Strong analytical and problem‑solving ability.
20. Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage deadlines.
21. Proactive, solutions‑focused, andmitted to continuous improvement.
22. Exceptional interpersonal andmunication skills.
23. High integrity andmitment to confidentiality.
Terms & Benefits
24. Salary: £50,000–£60,000, dependent on experience
25. Hours: hours, Monday–Friday (9am–5:30pm)
26. Lunch provided during term time
27. Access to sports facilities
28. Subsidised Benenden health scheme
29. Pension scheme (post‑probation)