Finance Manager

Little Ilford School; City Of London; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 49,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent educational institution in London is seeking a qualified Finance Manager to oversee school-specific financial processes. The role involves managing large budgets, including payroll and annual returns, while supporting the School Business Manager. The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical skills and the ability to handle high-pressure situations. This is an exceptional opportunity to further your career in a nurturing educational environment that emphasizes professional development.

Benefits

Comprehensive professional development

Onsite gym access

Free weekly fitness classes

24/7 Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• Experience in managing large, complex budgets including payroll and accounts payable/receivable.
• Ability to remain calm and focused under pressure during budget or audit periods.
• Highly motivated and enthusiastic individual.

Responsibilities

• Support the School Business Manager in all financial processes.
• Manage a diverse and demanding workload.

Skills

Understanding of school-specific finance

Managing complex budgets

Analytical skills

Enthusiastic and innovative approach

Job description

Required for March 2026 36 hours/week, 42 weeks per annum (Term time plus 3 weeks during the school holidays, including Inset days) Salary - PO4 (actual salary £45,766 - £48,693) We are seeking to appoint a suitably qualified, experienced, and motivated individual to take up the post of Finance Manager who has a deep understanding of school-specific finance and has a strong proficiency in managing large, complex budgets, including payroll, accounts payable/receivable and annual statutory returns. This role will support the School Business Manager in all aspects of financial processes. The successful candidate will have a positive and flexible approach while managing a diverse and demanding workload and will be highly motivated, enthusiastic, analytical, and innovative. Schools are high‑pressure environments, especially during budget season or audit periods. The ability to remain calm and focused under pressure is essential. This is a fantastic opportunity to gain experience in your career in a well‑led school. Little Ilford is a friendly, inclusive and oversubscribed school in Newham making a big difference to the lives of our diverse student community. In October 2016, we moved into a brand new state‑of‑the‑art building. We have a strong reputation and high expectations of both students and staff and consider this to be an exciting place to work and develop, where creativity and innovation are nurtured. Our targets for attainment and progress are challenging, but staff have the focus and determination to realise them for the benefit of our students. We really know our students, and focus on them as individuals. Pastoral systems are strong and we value a curriculum offer and activities that educate the whole child. What Little Ilford can offer you - Continued Professional Development

Staff Benefits

• commitment to ensuring that all staff have access to comprehensive professional development
• fully supported by The National College programme
• 1-1 coaching with external providers
• Good home/work balance
• Free use of an onsite gym
• Free weekly group cardio sessions
• Free weekly yoga classes
• Free spin sessions
• Onsite car/bike parking facilities
• Cycle scheme
• 24/7 access to Employee Assistance Programme including 6 free counselling sessions, if required
• 24/7 access to a Digital Wellbeing Platform

We are an aspirational, reflective and creative learning community where all adults are learners who take risks in order to achieve excellent results for our students. The closing date is 11th January 2026. Please note - we will shortlist and interview as soon as we have a strong field. Candidates are advised to apply sooner rather than later. We look forward to receiving your application. To apply or obtain further information please visit our website or for an informal discussion contact Mehz Karim on 020 8928 3548 /email [e-mail] Little Ilford School, Rectory Road, Manor Park, London E12 6JB The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. An enhanced DBS check is required for all successful candidates.