Finance Manager

Moorlands College; Bournemouth; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Restaurant on-site

Job summary

Moorlands College in Bournemouth is seeking a Finance Manager to lead the college's finance function, ensuring strong financial controls and insightful management information. The role involves hands-on accounting, payroll administration, and continuous process improvement in a dynamic educational environment.

Reporting to the CFOO, the post covers budgeting, cash flow forecasting, audits, and development of financial systems.

Qualifications

• AAT Level 4 qualification (or equivalent) with GCSE Maths and English (Grade C/4 or above).
• Significant experience in a finance management role covering accounts, payroll and bookkeeping.
• Strong knowledge of financial controls, payroll, pensions and HMRC requirements.
• Excellent analytical, organisational and Microsoft Excel skills.
• Experience supervising finance staff.
• A proactive approach with a commitment to continuous improvement and excellent customer service.

Responsibilities

• Managing accounts payable and accounts receivable.
• Overseeing payroll and pension administration.
• Producing cash flow forecasts, reconciliations and management information.
• Supporting budgeting, financial planning and annual audit processes.
• Maintaining accurate financial records and ensuring compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements.
• Developing and improving financial systems, controls and processes.
• Line managing the Finance Assistant and providing support across the wider organisation.

Skills

Analytical skills

Excel skills

Financial reporting

Communication

Payroll knowledge

Team supervision

Education

AAT Level 4 qualification

GCSE Maths & English

Tools

Payroll software

Accounting software

Job description

Hours: Full-time (40 hours). We would also consider Part time option of 4 days per week (32 hours)
Reporting to: Chief Financial & Operating Officer (CFOO)

This is an exciting opportunity for a finance professional who enjoys combining hands‑on financial management with process improvement and strategic support. Working closely with the Chief Finance & Operations Officer, you will play a key role in delivering robust financial management, maintaining strong financial controls, and supporting effective decision‑making across the College.

About the Role

As Finance Manager, you will oversee all aspects of the College's finance function, including:

• Managing accounts payable and accounts receivable
• Overseeing payroll and pension administration
• Producing cash flow forecasts, reconciliations and management information
• Supporting budgeting, financial planning and annual audit processes
• Maintaining accurate financial records and ensuring compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements
• Developing and improving financial systems, controls and processes
• Line managing the Finance Assistant and providing support across the wider organisation

This is a varied role requiring excellent organisational skills, strong technical knowledge and the ability to communicate financial information clearly to colleagues from a range of backgrounds.

About You

We're looking for someone who has:

• AAT Level 4 qualification (or equivalent experience), with GCSE Maths and English (Grade C/4 or above)
• Significant experience in a finance management role covering accounts, payroll and bookkeeping
• Strong knowledge of financial controls, payroll, pensions and HMRC requirements
• Excellent analytical, organisational and Microsoft Excel skills
• Experience supervising or supporting finance staff
• A proactive approach with a commitment to continuous improvement and excellent customer service

It would be an advantage if you have experience within a charity, higher education or not‑for‑profit environment and are studying towards or hold a professional accounting qualification (ACCA, CIMA, ACA or equivalent).

Apply

If you are an experienced finance professional looking for a rewarding role where your expertise will make a real impact, we'd love to hear from you. For further information on the College, our beautiful rural location and where to send your CV to apply, please visit our website.

Applications will be reviewed upon receipt, and interviews scheduled throughout the summer. We anticipate the successful candidate to be in post by end of September 2026.