Finance Manager - Wiltshire - £55,000 - Hybrid working
Role Summary:
As Finance Manager, you will act as a trusted business partner working in an Educational environment. Providing timely and insightful financial information to enable informed decision-making. You will be responsible for preparing monthly management accounts, leading budgeting and forecasting processes, and ensuring adherence to financial procedures and controls. This is a pivotal role in helping to deliver exceptional educational outcomes through sound financial stewardship.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Collaborate with Headteachers and the Head of Finance to prepare annual budgets and financial forecasts.
2. Perform all month-end accounting processes, including journal postings for accruals and prepayments.
3. Produce and present monthly management accounts, variance analysis, and supporting narrative to senior stakeholders.
4. Lead financial review meetings with budget holders and provide financial insight to support strategic and operational decisions.
5. Monitor monthly expenditure and identify trends or variances, offering remedial guidance where required.
6. Prepare detailed financial reports for the Board, highlighting key risks and opportunities.
7. Provide financial data to support grant and funding applications, and assist with grant expenditure claims.
8. Undertake monthly balance sheet reconciliations including fixed assets, depreciation, and payroll.
9. Support the implementation and refinement of financial procedures and internal controls.
10. Ensure compliance with financial regulations including SORP, and audit requirements.
11. Work closely with the AP/AR Manager and Finance Officers to align financial operations with school activities and calendar events.
12. Review and approve supplier payment runs, charge card usage, and other transactions within agreed delegations of authority (SODA).
13. Build effective working relationships with Office Managers, SEND Leads, Heads of Department, and other budget holders.
Person Specification:
Essential:
14. Professional accounting qualification (e.g. ACCA, CIMA, ACA) or qualified by experience in a similar role
15. Proven experience in financial management, reporting, and business partnering
16. Strong knowledge of financial controls, budgeting, and forecasting
17. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to present financial information to non-financial stakeholders
18. High attention to detail and analytical capability
19. Proficiency in accounting systems and Microsoft Excel
20. Willingness to travel across school sites
Desirable:
21. Experience in education, multi-academy trusts, or public sector finance
22. Knowledge of SORP, Academy and grant funding compliance