Location: Hybrid (regular presence at our Swansea or Cardiff office)
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Part-time (3 days/week) or Full-time (with optional temporary People/HR cover during maternity leave)
Salary: £36,000–£44,000 FTE (dependent on experience) — pro-rata if part-time
Why This Role: Join a purpose-driven education organisation where your finance expertise directly supports national impact, with flexible working and opportunities to grow your skills across both Finance and HR.
About Equal Education Partners
At Equal Education Partners, our purpose is to create opportunity and unlock potential through transformative education.
Our vision is to be the UK’s most well-respected multi-service education management company, helping educators and learners thrive every day.
Our mission is to attract, develop and retain the best teaching talent and deliver unrivalled opportunities for learners.
We’re an ethical employer and we invest in professional learning and development.
The Opportunity
We’re seeking a highly organised, detail-focused Finance Manager to take ownership of day-to-day finance operations and deliver accurate, timely reporting across our multi-service education business.
The core role is Finance (0.6 FTE). For candidates seeking a full-time position, there is the option to take on temporary People/HR responsibilities during a colleague’s maternity leave, after which the role will continue permanently as Finance Manager.
You’ll report to the Managing Director.
What you’ll do
Finance (Core)
* Month-End & Reporting – Lead the month-end process: deliver accurate management accounts, divisional P&Ls, and balance sheet reconciliations.
* VAT & Compliance – Prepare and submit quarterly VAT returns on time; ensure full compliance with HMRC and Companies House requirements.
* Payroll – Manage weekly and monthly payroll for staff and contingent workers (teachers, tutors, mentors); ensure PAYE, pensions, and statutory returns are correct and timely.
* Cash & Controls – Oversee AR/AP, credit control, and cashflow forecasting; maintain robust controls, approval flows, and audit trails.
* Budgets & Forecasting – Lead annual budgeting and quarterly re-forecasting with divisional leads; monitor variances and recommend corrective actions.
* Systems & Process Improvement – Own and optimise Xero; streamline reconciliations, procurement/PO workflows, and expense management.
* Business Partnering – Turn financial data into insight; coach budget holders and build financial capability across the organisation.
People / HR (Optional - extends role to full-time during maternity leave)
Work part-time in Finance (0.6 FTE) or full-time by covering temporary People/HR duties during a colleague’s 1-year maternity leave (starting January 2026). After the maternity cover ends, the role continues as full-time Finance Manager, with flexibility to reduce hours if desired.
* Recruitment & Onboarding – Manage contracts, variations, and new starter processes to ensure smooth inductions.
* Policy & Compliance – Maintain up-to-date HR policies aligned with legislation; support REC Audited Education accreditation and other compliance standards.
* Governance & Reporting – Support audits, legal matters, and regulatory inspections; prepare reports for government and procurement bodies.
* HR Administration – Keep accurate HR records and documentation.
* Employee Relations – Act as first point of contact for complaints; resolve issues promptly and fairly, fostering positive relationships.
* Manager Support – Advise line managers on leave, probation, and performance cycles.
* Culture & Development – Contribute to wellbeing, engagement, and learning & development initiatives alongside the SLT.
Your First 6 Months - What Good Looks Like
* Reliable Reporting – Month-end closes run smoothly to a consistent timetable, with clear packs delivered on time.
* Strong Financial Foundations – Debtor and creditor ledgers are clean, debtor days improving, and cashflow predictable.
* Compliance on Point – VAT, payroll, and statutory returns are completed accurately and submitted on time.
* Embedded Processes – Finance processes are documented, simple to follow, and actively used across the team.
Requirements
About you
Essential
* Solid experience in SME finance management (management accounts, VAT, payroll, AR/AP, cash).
* Confident user of Xero and strong Excel/Sheets skills.
* Pragmatic, organised and quality-driven; able to own outcomes and meet deadlines.
* Clear communicator who can explain finance to non-finance colleagues.
* Alignment with our mission, values and commitment to safeguarding.
Desirable
* AAT Level 4 / PQ ACCA/CIMA / QBE in a comparable SME.
* Experience with weekly payrolls and/or education/recruitment environments.
* Familiarity with HR admin and UK employment basics (for the full-time option).
* Experience as a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) or in a similar safeguarding role, with proven ability to manage safeguarding matters effectively. (advantageous but not essential)
* Welsh language skills (advantageous but not essential).
How to apply
Please send us your CV along with a short cover note outlining:
* Your preferred working pattern (part-time Finance, or full-time Finance + temporary HR cover)
* Your relevant experience with Xero, payroll, and VAT
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
Additional Information
* You must have the right to work in the UK.
* Appointment is subject to satisfactory references and an Enhanced DBS Check (funded by the Employer).
Benefits
* Flexible Hybrid Working: Shape your week - Hybrid working pattern with flexibility to meet both personal commitments and business priorities.
* Continuous Growth: Access an annual professional learning and development budget to invest in your skills.
* Secure Your Future: Auto-enrolment pension to support your long-term financial wellbeing.
* Generous Holiday Package: 25 days’ leave to start, increasing to 27 after 2 years and building up to 30 after 5 years.
* Health & Wellbeing First: Comprehensive private health insurance for peace of mind.
* Give Back: One fully paid day each year to volunteer for a cause you care about.
* Family Friendly: Enhanced maternity and paternity leave to support you at life’s key moments.
* On-Site Convenience: Free parking available at our office locations.