Assistant Finance Manager

Wade Macdonald; Oxford; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

An educational organization in Oxford seeks an Assistant Finance Manager to enhance their finance operations. This role supports budget preparation, financial monitoring, and team supervision. The ideal candidate will have finance experience, strong Excel skills, and an accounting qualification, contributing to a mission-driven team with professional development opportunities.

Benefits

Flexible working

Generous holiday entitlement

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Experience within a finance function, ideally in education or public sector.
• Strong Excel skills and experience with accounting systems.
• Detail-focused, organized, and able to manage multiple priorities.

Responsibilities

• Assisting in preparing annual budgets and in-year forecasts.
• Preparing management account working papers and variance analysis.
• Monitoring budgets and advising budget holders.
• Overseeing day-to-day finance operations.
• Ensuring timely month-end close and reconciliations.
• Supervising finance support staff.

Skills

Excel

Accounting systems

Education

Accounting qualification or equivalent experience

Job description

Assistant Finance Manager - Oxford - £40,000 / £44,000 (Full time equivalent)
(Options of full-time and part-time hours Available)

About the Client

This is a well-regarded organisation in the Education sector, providing high-quality support across a network of schools. With a strong reputation and a clear commitment to safeguarding and inclusivity, they cultivate a supportive atmosphere where mentorship and professional development are central to their mission.

About the Job

This newly created position will support the day-to-day finance operations. Reporting to the Finance Manager, you will contribute to strategic planning, financial monitoring, and compliance, while also overseeing transactional processes and supervising other members of the finance team.

Duties will include:

• Assisting in preparing annual budgets and in-year forecasts
• Preparing management account working papers and variance analysis
• Monitoring budgets, advising budget holders, and identifying efficiencies
• Overseeing day-to-day finance operations including accounts payable, bank reconciliations, and payroll
• Ensuring timely month-end close, reconciliations, and journal entries
• Supervising finance support staff and contributing to appraisals

About the Successful Applicant

You will have experience within a finance function, ideally within education or a similar public sector environment. Strong Excel and accounting system skills are essential, alongside an Accounting qualification or equivalent experience. You'll be detail-focused, organised, and able to manage multiple priorities while communicating effectively and leading others with confidence.

What You Will Receive in Return

You'll be part of a collaborative and values-driven team with a strong sense of community. This role offers, flexible working, generous holiday entitlement, and the opportunity to make a tangible difference in education finance. You'll also benefit from professional development opportunities and a well-established support network.