Accounting and Finance Manager | Westfield Academy

Peridot Partners; Watford; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A dynamic school community in Watford is seeking an experienced Accounting and Finance Manager to oversee day-to-day financial operations. The ideal candidate will ensure compliance with relevant regulations and prepare accurate financial reports. Required qualifications include a professional accountancy qualification and substantial experience in financial management within the education sector. This role offers the opportunity to contribute to shaping the school's future while supporting its financial resilience.

Qualifications

• Proven track record of delivering high-quality financial management in a complex organisation.
• Experience of working within the education or charitable sectors.
• Knowledge of Academy Trust financial regulations.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day financial operations of the Trust.
• Prepare monthly management accounts and cash flow forecasts.
• Ensure compliance with Academy Trust Handbook and funding agreements.

Skills

Financial management

Attention to detail

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Education

Professional accountancy qualification (ACA, ACCA or CIMA)

Tools

Accounting software

Excel

Job description

Home / Roles / Accounting and Finance Manager | Westfield Academy

Accounting and Finance Manager Westfield Academy

Drive financial resilience and help shape the future of our thriving school community as the Accounting & Finance Manager at Westfield Academy.

• Location: Watford

Who we are

Westfield Academy is a thriving, oversubscribed single academy trust in Watford, serving a diverse and dynamic community of over 1,300 students. We are proud of our inclusive ethos, high standards, and commitment to supporting all learners to achieve their potential.

Rated “Good” by Ofsted since our conversion in 2013, most recently in November 2024, our culture is driven by three core values – Believe, Strive, Achieve. These underpin everything we do, from academic excellence to developing confident, compassionate young people.

With a high‑performing leadership team, excellent facilities and a strong reputation, we are now focused on strengthening financial resilience, enhancing enrichment opportunities, and planning future capital and community developments – making this an exciting time to join us.

About the role

The Accounting and Finance Manager will take responsibility for the day‑to‑day financial operations of the Trust, ensuring effective financial management, compliance with ESFA and DfE regulations, and delivery of accurate and timely financial reporting to support the Trust’s strategic and operational objectives.

Key responsibilities

• Manage the day‑to‑day financial operations of the Trust, including accounts payable, receivable, payroll, and bank reconciliations.
• Oversee the preparation of monthly management accounts, cash flow forecasts, and variance reports for approval by the board and headteacher in a timely fashion.
• Support and ensure that operational decisions are within approved budgets and in line with Trust financial protocols and policies.
• Support the preparation and control of the annual budget in collaboration with the Trust business manager and senior leaders.
• Ensure compliance with the Academy Trust Handbook, funding agreements, and relevant financial legislation.
• Liaise with external auditors to ensure timely preparation of year‑end accounts, provision of supporting documentation and resolution of audit queries to maintain the highest standards of financial integrity and compliance.
• Maintain accurate financial records and ensure compliance with VAT, Corporation Tax, and Gift Aid requirements where applicable.
• Support the production of financial reports for the Board of Trustees and Finance Committee, including attendance at meetings as required.
• Provide specific expertise in long‑term financial management and prepare appropriate policies for approval.

Systems and processes

• Maintain and develop financial systems to ensure effective internal controls and reporting.
• Conduct routine internal audits to monitor the compliance & effectiveness of accounting systems & procedures and implement improvements as necessary.
• Ensure timely and accurate processing of purchase orders, invoices, and expense claims.
• Implement and monitor financial procedures to safeguard Trust assets and ensure value for money.
• Maintain awareness of changes in funding or regulatory requirements and be prepared to implement appropriate responses and convey these changes to the Board.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement, efficiency, and high standards in financial operations.

Experience

• Proven track record of delivering high‑quality financial management and accounting functions in a complex organisation.
• Demonstrable experience in preparing accurate financial reports for senior leadership and/or governing bodies.
• Proven ability to set, manage, and monitor budgets effectively, ensuring strong financial control and probity.
• Experience of maintaining robust financial systems, processes, and internal controls to support compliance and operational efficiency.
• Experience of working within the education or charitable sectors.
• Knowledge of Academy Trust financial regulations and the Academy Trust Handbook.
• Experience of working with external auditors and preparing year‑end statutory accounts.

Skills, Abilities and Knowledge

• Strong financial and accounting acumen with excellent attention to detail.
• Highly numerate, with strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Proven ability to identify and resolve financial discrepancies and issues as well as to identify and implement process improvements in line with good practice.
• Competence in using accounting software and advanced Excel skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with internal and external stakeholders and present complex financial information clearly and concisely to non‑finance audiences.
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to meet deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.
• High standards of integrity and discretion when handling confidential and sensitive information.
• Understanding of public sector procurement processes and value‑for‑money principles.
• Awareness of funding and compliance frameworks relevant to educational settings.

Qualifications

• Professional accountancy qualification (ACA, ACCA or CIMA), fully or part‑qualified.

Equality, Diversity and Data Protection

Peridot Partners and Westfield Academy are committed to promoting equality and diversity and to developing a recruitment process that is fair, inclusive, and free from bias. All candidates will be considered on the basis of their merit, skills and experience.

All personal data will be handled in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018 and the Employees’ Data Protection Policies of Westfield Academy. Informed consent and clear communication about the use of data will be provided during the recruitment process.

How to apply

To formally apply, please submit your CV and a supporting statement (maximum of 2 sides of A4) that clearly outlines your suitability for the role against the criteria provided in the person specification, including your interest and motivation. Include your home address, contact email and mobile.

Please email your application to [e-mail] with the subject: Application: Westfield Academy—Accounting and Finance Manager. You will receive an acknowledgement of receipt within 2–3 days.

For further information about the role or to arrange a confidential discussion, please contact our recruiting consultant at Peridot Partners.