Finance Manager
Government jobs, apprenticeship
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Job summary
William Henry Smith Foundation is seeking an experienced Finance Manager to oversee the finance function, ensure robust controls, and provide timely financial information to budget holders. You will manage a small team, drive process improvements, and promote value for money across the organisation.
The role reports to the Finance Director, requires a qualified accountant or equivalent, and offers a permanent, full-time position with a 37-hour week.
Qualifications
- Qualified or part-qualified accountant with relevant finance management experience.
- Evidence of continuing professional development in finance, accounting or leadership.
Responsibilities
- Lead the day-to-day operation of the Foundation.
- Ensure income is collected promptly and expenditure is controlled.
- Maintain robust financial controls and governance arrangements.
- Oversee balance sheet reconciliations and month-end processes.
Skills
Education
Tools
Job description
Job role: Administration, HR, data and finance
Visas cannot be sponsored
Full time: Full-time, permanent, 37 hours per week, Monday to Friday, all year round
Permanent
NJC Points 33 - 38, £45,529.00 - £50,908.00 per annum
Qualified or part-qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA or equivalent), AAT Level 4, or substantial relevant finance management experience
Evidence of continuing professional development in finance, accounting or leadership
- Significant experience of managing day-to-day financial operations within a complex organisation
- Experience of producing accurate management information, financial reports, forecasts and budget monitoring reports
- Experience of implementing and maintaining robust financial controls, procedures and governance arrangements
- Experience of managing purchase ledger, sales ledger, income collection, debt recovery and payment processes
- Experience of preparing balance sheet reconciliations, control account reconciliations and month-end processes
- Experience of financial systems administration and improving financial processes through system development or automation
- Experience of managing, supervising and developing staff within a finance function
- Experience of advising and supporting non-financial managers and budget holders
- Experience of maintaining compliance with financial regulations, policies and statutory requirements
- Strong knowledge of financial controls, accounting principles and best practice financial management
- Sound understanding of budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management and financial reporting
- Knowledge of internal control frameworks, fraud prevention and risk management principles
- Understanding of procurement processes and value for money principles
- Good knowledge of financial regulations, governance requirements and audit processes
- Excellent understanding of accounting systems and financial data management
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to identify issues and implement practical solutions
- Advanced Excel and financial systems skills, including reporting and data analysis
- Ability to interpret financial information and present it clearly to both financial and non-financial audiences
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines
- Ability to develop effective systems, processes and controls that drive continuous improvement
- Excellent attention to detail and commitment to accuracy
- Strong leadership and people management skills
- Ability to challenge constructively and influence colleagues at all levels
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgement
- Ability to build positive working relationships with a wide range of stakeholders
- Values-driven, committed to Safeguarding, student welfare, equality and diversity
- Self-motivated and proactive, with a willingness to undertake further training and continuous learning
- Commitment to the aims, values and ethos of the Foundation, including Quality of Life and Positive Behaviour Support
- Willingness to undertake training as required and commitment to ongoing professional development
- Demonstrates integrity, honesty and professionalism at all times
- Committed to accountability, transparency and stewardship of resources
- Resilient and able to remain calm under pressure
- Collaborative and supportive
- Willingness to work flexibly to meet organisational requirements, including occasional attendance at meetings outside normal working hours
- Westfield Health Fully funded core cover (colleagues pay only the taxable benefit). Includes:
- Doctor Line & Best Doctors access
- CBT sessions and counselling
- 24/7 counselling and legal advice
- £150 alternative therapies allowance
- £150 physiotherapy and related therapies allowance
- Routine healthcare cashback (dental, optical, chiropody)
- Easy access via dedicated app
- Reduced annual subscription for meditation, mindfulness, sleep tools and stress reduction.
- A supportive and inclusive space to learn, share experiences, and access resources.
- Nutritional and physical training from a specialist personal trainer
- Lifestyle, wellbeing and financial guidance
- Encouragement of peer learning and shared expertise
- Onsite Occupational Health Nurse and a team of external consultants supporting physical and emotional wellbeing.
- Free flu vaccinations delivered onsite.
- 4x annual salary coverage (or via Teachers' Pension Scheme). Expression-of-wish form completed on joining.
- Quality of Life Hour Weekly dedicated wellbeing hour with activities such as yoga, HIIT gym work, arts & crafts, gardening, bingo, badminton, darts, secret spa sessions, nail delights and more.
- Daily hot lunch in The Barn for School-site colleagues
- Delivered meals for College-site colleagues
- Termly refreshed menus and meals provided on L&D days
- Wellbeing gifts at Christmas and Easter
- Subsidised staff festive party and end-of-summer celebration
- One paid Life Day each academic year
- An additional Life Day for 100% attendance
- Colleagues are encouraged not to check or send emails between 7pm-7am or on weekends (unless required by role).
- Accessible, free parking with encouragement of car sharing.
- Discounts for Teachers
- Free membership for all staff, providing:
- Discounts across retail, travel, utilities, insurance and more
- Cashback opportunities via an ode card
- Free access to discounts across travel, groceries, electronics, cinema, home & garden and more.
- Available after 6 months' service via salary sacrifice, repaid over 12 months.
- Competitive employer contributions to the Peoples Pension scheme:
- Standard: 4% employee / 6% Foundation (10% total)
- Higher: 5% employee / 7.5% Foundation (12.5% total)
- Heads of Departments Higher: 5% employee / 10% Foundation (15% total)
- All contributions made by way of salary exchange to provide for additional individuals' National Insurance Contributions savings
- Employer National Insurance Contributions savings as a result of salary exchange are also paid into the individuals' pension accounts and therefore increasing the overall contributions shown above as follows: -
- Standard: 4% employee/6% Foundation/0.6% Employer NICs savings (10.6% total)
- Higher: 5% employee/7.5% Foundation/0.75% Employer NICs savings (13.25% total)
- Heads of Departments Higher: 5% employee/10% Foundation/0.75% Employer NICs savings (15.75% total)
- Teachers have separate pension arrangements through the Teachers' Pension Scheme
- Quality branded work wear, of which some is subsidised
- Recognition gifts and certificates; additional week of holiday pay for term-time staff after 5 years' service
- Maternity, Adoption & Parental Support Up to 12 months leave for all, with enhanced Foundation pay based on service and role.
- Enhanced Family Leave
- Paternity Leave
- Neonatal Care Leave
- Parental Bereavement Leave
- Compassionate Leave
- Bereavement Leave
- Religious Observance
- Time Off for Dependants
- Funeral Attendance
- Induction & Onboarding
- Learning & Development Programme
- Performance Development Reviews (PDRs)
- Wellbeing Champions
- Surveys & Feedback Loops
Every benefit in this brochure reflects our commitment to fostering a compassionate, collaborative, empowered and future-focused workplace. Thank you for being a valued part of the William Henry Smith Foundation. If you have any questions, the HR Team is always here to support you.
The candidate will be required to undergo a full enhanced DBS check and must be eligible to work in the UK.
Visas cannot be sponsored.
TheFinance Manager is responsible for the operational management of theFoundation's finance function, ensuring robust financial controls, accuratefinancial processing, effective financial systems and full compliance withfinancial policies and procedures.
Reportingto the Finance Director, the postholder will oversee the day-to-day financialoperations of the Foundation, ensuring income is collected promptly,expenditure is appropriately controlled, financial transactions are processedaccurately, and financial records are maintained to a high standard.
TheFinance Manager will lead the continuous improvement of financial systems,procedures and controls, provide timely and accurate financial information,support budget holders and manage the team of finance assistants. This rolewill promote strong financial discipline, accountability, value for money, andeffective stewardship of Foundation resources.
- Lead the day-to-day operation of the Foundation
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