Finance Manager

Fashion Retail Academy; Greater London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Funding for professionalQualifications

LinkedIn Learning access

Annual CPD

Monthly wellbeing allowance

Employer pension contribution

Job summary

EFI Group is seeking an experienced Finance Manager to lead the finance team and deliver accurate, customer-focused services across the organisation. The role covers month-end reporting, balance sheet reconciliations, and coordinating the annual audit, working with budget holders and stakeholders to drive informed decisions.

You will mentor staff, influence process improvements, and contribute to the strategic development of the Finance function.

Qualifications

• Experience as Finance Manager or senior finance role with team leadership.
• Strong knowledge of accounting principles and financial controls.
• Experience with month-end reporting and annual audit coordination.
• Familiarity with Sage Intacct or similar financial systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the finance team.
• Oversee month-end reporting and balance sheet reconciliations.
• Coordinate the annual audit and provide financial insight.
• Support strategic planning and process improvements.
• Build relationships with budget holders.

Skills

Financial accounting

Analytical thinking

Communication

Team leadership

Education

CCAB qualification (ACCA/CIMA/ACA)

A Level

GCSE English and Maths

Tools

Sage Intacct

ERP systems

Job description

About EFI Group

EFI Group has a bold mission to transform lives, careers and industries through pioneering, industry-led education in fashion, beauty and apprenticeships. Our vision is to deliver exceptional learning experiences, driven by innovation, inclusion, employability, and excellence.

About the role

We are seeking an experienced and proactive Finance Manager to join the EFI Group. In this role, you will lead and develop the Finance team, ensuring the delivery of an efficient, accurate and customer-focused finance service across the organisation.

This is a varied and hands‑on role, with responsibility for month‑end reporting, balance sheet reconciliations, financial controls and the coordination of the annual audit. You will work closely with budget holders and key stakeholders, providing financial insight and support to drive informed decision‑making and continuous improvement.

You will have the opportunity to lead key finance activities, develop and mentor team members, influence process improvements and contribute to the strategic development of the Finance function and wider organisation.

The successful candidate will bring strong financial accounting experience, leadership skills and a collaborative approach to building relationships, developing teams and enhancing processes. Experience of Sage Intacct or a similar integrated finance system would be advantageous.

This is an excellent opportunity for a finance professional to combine hands‑on financial management with team leadership, while making a meaningful contribution to the continued success of the EFI Group.

About you

Qualifications: Educated to A Level standard or equivalent, preferably in Maths, Accounting or a related discipline, with GCSE English and Maths (Grade C/4 or above). A CCAB qualification (ACCA, CIMA or ACA), or studying towards one, would be advantageous.

Experience: Previous experience in a Finance Manager or senior finance role, including team leadership, financial reporting and month‑end processes.

Expertise: Strong knowledge of accounting principles, financial controls and computerised accounting systems. Experience of Sage Intacct would be advantageous.

Skills: Strong financial, analytical and communication skills, with the ability to manage workloads, build stakeholder relationships and lead a team effectively.

Values: A proactive, collaborative and professional approach, with a commitment to continuous improvement and delivering a high-quality service.

Why The EFI?

We foster a culture where our team members can lean on each other, recognise each other, and celebrate together! At EFI, we prioritise your growth and wellbeing with a range of fantastic benefits, including:

Funded Professional Qualifications: Support for personal and professional development, including a personal growth allowance of £400 annually, paid for professional qualifications, LinkedIn Learning access and annual CPD.

Generous and Flexible Leave Options: A range of enhanced leave options, including birthday and celebration leave.

Market-Leading Family-Friendly Pay: Including six months of fully paid maternity, adoption, and shared parental leave.

Monthly Wellbeing Allowance: Including a customisable monthly wellbeing allowance of £50, and funded counselling/CBT through Education Support Employee Assistant Programme.

Pension: We offer a 5% employer pension contribution, supporting you in planning for your future.

From £40,000 to £45,000 per annum, subject to qualifications and experience

8am on Thursday, 3 September 2026.

Interviews/Recruitment Day:

Interviews will take place on 10-11 September 2026 in-person at FRA Academy: Electra House, Moorgate, EC2M 6SE

More Information/Contact us:

For more information about the EFI Group, visit our EFI, FRA, LCBT websites and refer to the job description.

Please contact [e-mail] for further information.

The EFI is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults. Candidates offered positions will be required to undergo thorough safeguarding background checks as a condition of the offer.

Thank you for sharing our values and commitment to student safety.