Finance Manager – Independent Secondary School – Harrogate Start Date: As soon as possible Contract: Full-time, Permanent Salary: Paid to scale School Information This highly respected independent secondary school in Harrogate is renowned for its excellent academic outcomes, exceptional pastoral support, and strong community ethos. The school educates pupils aged 11–18 and prides itself on offering a supportive, enriching, and forward-thinking environment. The school operates with a clear commitment to financial transparency, sustainability, and long-term planning. With continued growth in student numbers and development of new facilities, the school is seeking a skilled Finance Manager to play a key strategic and operational role. The Finance Department is well-structured and supportive, offering scope for innovation and professional development. Role Information The Finance Manager will oversee the day-to-day financial operations of the school, including budgeting, financial planning, payroll coordination, month-end processes, and financial reporting. You will also work closely with the School Business Manager and senior leadership team to provide financial insights, support strategic decisions, and ensure compliance with regulatory standards. Key responsibilities include managing invoices and payments, preparing financial statements, overseeing the finance team, liaising with auditors, monitoring expenditure, and ensuring robust internal controls. You will also support with fee administration, financial forecasting, and procurement processes. The ideal candidate will bring strong financial expertise, excellent analytical skills, and the ability to communicate financial information clearly to both finance and non-finance colleagues. Requirements • Experience in financial management, ideally within education or the charity sector • Strong knowledge of accounting systems and financial compliance • Excellent organisational and analytical skills • Ability to produce accurate reports and work to deadlines • Professional finance qualification (AAT, ACCA, CIMA) desirable • Strong communication and leadership abilities • A proactive and solutions-focused approach Application To apply, please send your CV as soon as possible