Finance Manager

Hurtwood House School; Shere; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company pension scheme

Meals on duty during term time

Health & wellbeing programme (EAP)

Onsite parking

Job summary

Hurtwood House School in Surrey is seeking a Finance Manager to join our Finance Team. You will oversee day-to-day financial operations, support fee billing and student accounts, and prepare management accounts with cash-flow forecasts.

Working with the Bursar andFinance Team, you will ensure accurate records, timely VAT returns, payroll support, and aid in audits and year-end activities. The role offers a substantive, full-time position with holiday entitlement.

Qualifications

• AAT Level 4 or equivalent professional qualification is advantageous.
• Experience in school or educational settings preferred.
• Strong numeracy, IT skills and attention to detail.
• Good communication skills with staff, parents and suppliers.

Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate accounting records and day-to-day financial operations.
• Manage supplier payments and bank reconciliations.
• Support student accounts and fee billing; prepare management accounts and cash-flow forecasts.
• Ensure statutory financial obligations are completed accurately and on time.
• Assist with VAT returns, payroll administration, audits and year-end processes.
• Manage financial arrangements for school trips and activities.

Skills

Financial management

VAT & financial reporting

Cash-flow forecasting

Invoicing & payments

Bank reconciliations

Payroll administration

Excel proficiency

Communication & teamwork

Education

AAT Level 4 or ACCA/CIMA/ACA/CIPFA or equivalent

GCSEs in English and Maths (grade 4/C or above)

Tools

Xero

Bankline

Payroll software

Job description

Monday to Friday, normally 8.30am to 5.00pm. Some flexibility outside normal working hours will be required on occasion. Are you an experienced finance professional looking for a varied and responsible role within a busy and successful school? Would you like to use your financial expertise to help support ambitious Sixth Form students in a creative and professional environment? Hurtwood House is looking for an organised, accurate and approachable Finance Manager to join our Finance Team. Working closely with the Bursar, you will be responsible for the effective day-to-day management of the School's financial operations. This will include maintaining accurate accounting records, managing supplier payments and bank reconciliations, supporting student accounts and fee billing, preparing management accounts and cash-flow forecasts, and ensuring that statutory financial obligations are completed accurately and on time. You will work collaboratively with the Bursar, Bursar's Assistant, Finance Assistants and Compliance Manager to provide an efficient, responsive and well-controlled financial service. The role will also involve preparing VAT returns, supporting payroll administration, assisting with audit and year-end processes, and managing the financial arrangements for School trips, outings and activities.

AAT Level 4, or part or full qualification in ACCA, CIMA, ACA, CIPFA or an equivalent professional qualification would be an advantage, as would experience in a school or educational setting and familiarity with Xero, Bankline, payroll, audit preparation, fee billing or student accounts.

Hurtwood House is one of England's most exciting and successful schools, specialising exclusively in the Sixth Form. We are known for our strong academic outcomes, excellent pastoral care and creative, professional culture. Staff and students work in partnership to achieve ambitious academic and personal goals.

Contract: Permanent, full-time and full-year. Holiday entitlement is 30 days' annual leave, including bank holidays falling outside term time.

Closing date: Friday 9th October 2026. Interviews will take place during the week beginning Monday 2nd November 2026.

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.

Hurtwood House School, Holmbury St Mary, Surrey, RH5 6NU.

In addition, Hurtwood House offers staff benefits, including:

• company pension scheme, meals on duty during term time, health & wellbeing programme (EAP) and onsite parking.

• A degree-level qualification or equivalent relevant professional experience, with GCSEs or equivalent qualifications in English and Maths at grade 4/C or above
• A relevant finance or accounting qualification, or substantial equivalent experience
• Significant experience in a finance, accounts, bookkeeping or accounting role
• Strong knowledge of day-to-day financial processes, including invoicing, payments, reconciliations, VAT and financial reporting
• Excellent numeracy, attention to detail, organisation and IT skills, particularly Excel
• Clear communication skills, integrity and a professional, collaborative approach to working with parents, colleagues, suppliers and advisers.