Finance Manager

We Manage Jobs(WMJobs); Redditch; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading education Trust in the UK is looking for a Finance Manager to join their finance team. This role involves preparing management accounts, monitoring budgets, and collaborating with school leaders to maintain financial health and compliance, positioning you at the heart of strategic financial planning.

Qualifications

• Experience in preparing management accounts.
• Strong understanding of budget analysis and compliance requirements.
• Ability to communicate complex financial information clearly.

Responsibilities

• Prepare monthly management accounts and advise on budget variances.
• Monitor financial performance and support annual budget preparation.
• Ensure compliance with financial policies and regulations.

Skills

Financial Reporting

Budget Management

Variance Analysis

Communication

Problem Solving

Job description

The role

We are seeking a skilled and motivated Finance Manager to join our central finance team. You will be responsible for preparing accurate and timely monthly management accounts for a group of schools, working closely with Headteachers and school business staff to update forecasts and provide clear financial insight.

Key responsibilities:

• Prepare accurate and timely monthly management accounts for a designated group of schools, working with school business staff and Headteachers to update forecasts. Provide a clear summary of key variances and risks with a brief commentary to the Headteacher and CFO each month.
• Monitor performance against budget, investigate variances, and advise senior leaders on risks and recommended actions.
• Ensure management accounts are updated monthly for accruals, prepayments and income deferrals.
• Ensure monthly balance sheet reconciliations and close-down procedures are completed, and that balances are reviewed and cleared where appropriate.
• Maintain up-to-date Fixed Asset registers and process monthly depreciation journals.
• Assist with the preparation of monthly cash flow statements, identifying any issues or risks.
• Prepare monthly payroll journals and reconcile payroll control accounts.
• Work closely with school leaders, business staff and the CFO to prepare annual budgets that are robust, realistic, and aligned with Trust priorities.
• Liaise with internal and external auditors, providing timely and accurate information and supporting documentation.
• Support the CFO with the preparation and submission of statutory returns (e.g., BFR, AAR).
• Assist in ensuring compliance with the Trust’s Finance Policy, the Academies Handbook and other relevant regulatory requirements.
• Provide training and support to academy staff on financial systems, procedures and controls.
• Undertake Continuing Professional Development (CPD) relevant to the role.
• Carry out any other reasonable duties commensurate with the level of the post as required by the CFO.

This role offers an excellent opportunity to contribute to the financial health and strategic planning of our Trust.

Further details and application form are available on the school's website:

Vacancies | Shires MAT

Closing date: Friday 18th July 2025

Interviews: week commencing 21st July 2025