Job Description
Talent Finance are seeking a qualified accountant, ideally with strong experience gained in the education sector, supporting independent schools and/or fee-based environments.
This role requires a commercially aware finance professional who understands the nuances of school finance operations, including fee income management, compliance, and stakeholder engagement.
The successful candidate will play a key role in maintaining robust financial controls, supporting reporting requirements, and ensuring smooth day-to-day finance operations within a regulated educational setting.
Key Responsibilities:
Financial Reporting & Controls
* Preparation of monthly management accounts with commentary
* Budget monitoring and variance analysis
* Supporting year-end processes and audit requirements
* Ensuring compliance with statutory, charity and sector-specific regulations
Fee Income & Billing
* Oversight of school fee billing processes (or similar)
* Managing fee income reporting and reconciliation
* Monitoring debtor balances and supporting credit control processes
* Liaising with parents/guardians regarding fee queries and payment arrangements
Compliance & Governance
* Ensuring adherence to independent school regulatory requirements
* Supporting VAT, tax and statutory returns (where applicable)
* Maintaining strong internal controls and financial procedures
Stakeholder Engagement
* Working closely with Headteachers, Governors and Senior Leadership Teams
* Supporting budget holders with financial insight and guidance
* Communicating financial information clearly to non-finance stakeholders
Process & System Improvement
* Reviewing finance processes to enhance efficiency and accuracy
* Supporting system improvements and reporting enhancements
About You:
* Qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA or equivalent)
* Experience within the education sector, ideally independent schools
* Strong understanding of fee income processes and debtor management
* Confident preparing management accounts and supporting audit
* Commercially aware with the ability to translate financial data into insight
* Strong communication skills and stakeholder engagement experience
* Detail-oriented, organised and able to manage competing priorities
Talent Finance are committed to promoting Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in the workplace. We assess all applicants on equal merit and do not discriminate on the basis of age, gender, disability, race, religion/beliefs, or sexual orientation.