Finance Manager

The Yehudi Menuhin School; Stoke-on-Trent; On-site; GBP 51,000 - 69,000; Full time

Job summary

The Yehudi Menuhin School is seeking an experienced Finance Manager to lead financial operations across multiple entities. You will ensure robust controls, accurate reporting, and proactive financial planning to support strategic objectives of the school.

Key duties include managing day-to-day finances, budgeting, VAT/group returns, and collaboration with governors and budget holders. Strong accounting qualifications and school/charity experience are highly valued.

Qualifications

• Professional accounting qualification required.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development must be shown.
• Experience in financial management and reporting is essential.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day financial operations for YMS Limited, YMS Enterprises, YMS China and linked charity.
• Maintain accurate accounts and reporting with rigorous, timely processes across entities.
• Credit control and debtor management.
• Monitor income, expenditure, cash flow and budget performance.
• Liaise with auditors and support annual audit improvements.
• Assist budgeting and forecasting for year-end reporting.

Skills

Finance analytics

Attention to detail

Excel & financial systems

Communication & stakeholder mgmt

Controls & risk management

Financial interpretation

Education

ACCA/CIMA/ACA/CIPFA or equivalent

CPD evidence

Tools

Accounting software

Job description

Finance Manager

Location: Stoke D'Abernon Cobham, Surrey, UK

Salary : £60,000 per annum

Vacancy Type: Permanent, Full Time (40 hours per week)

Closing Date: 25th of September 2026

The Finance Manager is responsible for the effective management of the school's financial operations, ensuring robust financial controls, accurate reporting, regulatory compliance, and efficient financial planning. The role supports the strategic objectives of the school by providing timely financial information and advice to senior leadership, governors, and budget holders.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

Promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children and young persons for whom we are responsible and with whom you come into contact.

Financial Management:

Manage the day-to-day financial operations of The Yehudi Menuhin School Limited, YMS Enterprises, YMS China and the linked charity.

Maintaining accurate accounts and financial reporting for all entities with rigorous, efficient, and timely processes, including reconciliation and in-depth understanding of all control and balance sheet accounts and processes across purchase and fees ledgers.

Credit control and debtor management.

Monitor income, expenditure, cash flow, and financial performance against budget.

Ensure accurate accounting records are maintained in accordance with relevant accounting standards.

Budgeting and Financial Planning:

Prepare, review, and analyse monthly management accounts including forecasting to year end to support strategic decision-making.

Budget management: correspond regularly with budget-holders to ensure spending is in line with phased budget throughout the year.

Preparation of quarterly returns for VAT group, including annual adjustments for partial exemption.

Fee Management and Income Control:

Managing the termly fees billing for YMS & VMS, including fees, bursaries/MDS grants, pupil recharges, reconciled to Master Pupil List.

Maintaining the Master Pupil List, including pupil leavers and deposit returns/donations.

Liaison with the Development Team and Hall ensuring accurate and reconciled recognition of income with systems in use in those departments.

Supporting the Bursar in preparation of annual budgets for all entities and the annual MDS and bursary assessment process.

Liaison with auditors for the annual audit and implementation of improvements arising from unadjusted or adjusted errors and Management Letter recommendations.

Person Specification

Essential Qualifications

• Professional accounting qualification (ACCA, CIMA, ACA, CIPFA or equivalent).
• Evidence of continuing professional development.

Essential Experience

• Significant experience in financial management and reporting.
• Experience of budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning.
• Experience preparing accounts for audit.
• Experience within an independent school, academy, charity, or education setting.

Desirable Experience

• Knowledge of school fee management systems.
• Experience working with governors, trustees, or board committees.
• Experience leading and developing staff.

Essential Skills and Knowledge

• Strong financial analysis and reporting skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
• Advanced Excel and financial systems skills.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management abilities.
• Sound understanding of financial controls and risk management.
• Ability to interpret and present complex financial information clearly.

Personal Attributes

• Integrity and professionalism.
• Highly organised and able to meet deadlines.
• Proactive and solution focused.
• Collaborative approach to working with staff and leadership.
• Commitment to the values and ethos of the school.