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
* Collaborate with Headteachers and the Head of Finance to prepare annual budgets and financial forecasts.
* Perform all month-end accounting processes, including journal postings for accruals and prepayments.
* Produce and present monthly management accounts, variance analysis, and supporting narrative to senior stakeholders.
* Lead financial review meetings with budget holders and provide financial insight to support strategic and operational decisions.
* Monitor monthly expenditure and identify trends or variances, offering remedial guidance where required.
* Prepare detailed financial reports for the Board, highlighting key risks and opportunities.
* Provide financial data to support grant and funding applications, and assist with grant expenditure claims.
* Undertake monthly balance sheet reconciliations including fixed assets, depreciation, and payroll.
* Support the implementation and refinement of financial procedures and internal controls.
* Ensure compliance with financial regulations including SORP, and audit requirements.
* Work closely with the AP/AR Manager and Finance Officers to align financial operations with school activities and calendar events.
* Review and approve supplier payment runs, charge card usage, and other transactions within agreed delegations of authority (SODA).
* Build effective working relationships with Office Managers, SEND Leads, Heads of Department, and other budget holders.
Person Specification
Essential:
* Professional accounting qualification (e.g. ACCA, CIMA, ACA) or qualified by experience in a similar role
* Proven experience in financial management, reporting, and business partnering
* Strong knowledge of financial controls, budgeting, and forecasting
* Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to present financial information to non-financial stakeholders
* High attention to detail and analytical capability
* Proficiency in accounting systems and Microsoft Excel
* Willingness to travel across school sites
Desirable:
* Experience in education, multi-academy trusts, or public sector finance
* Knowledge of SORP, Academyand grant funding compliance
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