Finance Manager

Amegreen Children’s Services; Stratfield Mortimer; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Life insurance

Company pension

Holiday home stay

Employee assistance

Electric car

Cycle to work

Employee discounts

Sick pay

Training & development

Job summary

Amegreen Children's Services is seeking an experienced Finance Manager to lead the finance function and work closely with the Directors to shape the organisation's financial future.

You will oversee day-to-day finance activities, manage budgets, cash flow and reporting, and develop the team while contributing to longer-term planning and financial strategy across our homes, schools and Head Office.

Qualifications

• Over four years’ experience in a finance function with team leadership.
• Experience managing budgets across multiple departments.
• Strong financial analysis and reporting skills.
• Ability to explain financial information to non-finance colleagues.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the finance team to ensure accurate, timely financial processes.
• Oversee invoicing, transactions and accounting records.
• Manage budgets across departments and monitor cash flow.
• Prepare monthly and annual financial reports for Directors.
• Provide short- and long-term financial planning and risk assessment.
• Coordinate with external accountants and auditors for annual audits.
• Maintain financial policies and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Assist HR with payroll payments and resolve queries.
• Review accounting systems and drive process improvements.

Skills

Financial leadership

Budget management

Financial analysis

Stakeholder communication

Excel

Education

Finance or accounting qualification

Tools

Accounting software

Job description

We're looking for an experienced Finance Manager to lead our finance team and help shape the financial future of Amegreen Children's Services.

At Amegreen, we provide therapeutic residential care, specialist schools and alternative education for children and young people. Behind these services is a team making sure our colleagues have the resources and support they need to do their jobs well.

This is an opportunity to take ownership of our finance function, work closely with our Directors and contribute to an organisation focused on improving children's lives.

The role

You’ll oversee the day-to-day running of our finance department while providing the financial insight our Directors need to make informed decisions.

From managing budgets and cash flow to reviewing performance and developing your team, you’ll combine practical involvement with longer-term financial planning. You’ll work with colleagues across our homes, schools and Head Office, helping managers understand their budgets and identifying opportunities to improve how we work.

What we offer

• Health Shield cash plan to help with everyday healthcare costs, available after probation and subject to eligibility.
• Life insurance worth four times your basic annual salary.
• Company pension with enhanced employer contributions.
• Free holiday accommodation at our company holiday home on the south coast, subject to availability.
• Employee Assistance Programme offering free, confidential support 24/7.
• Electric car and Cycle to Work schemes through salary sacrifice.
• Employee discounts, including Blue Light Card and local partner offers.
• Company sick pay available after six months' service.
• Training and development opportunities, alongside employee recognition and long-service awards.

What you'll be doing

• Leading and supporting our finance team, ensuring financial processes run smoothly and deadlines are met.
• Overseeing invoicing, financial transactions and accounting records, maintaining accuracy and effective financial controls.
• Managing budgets across departments, monitoring income, expenditure and cash flow, and investigating differences against forecasts.
• Preparing monthly and annual financial reports, explaining performance and presenting clear recommendations to Directors and other stakeholders.
• Supporting short-term and long-term planning through financial analysis, forecasting and consideration of market trends.
• Identifying financial risks and opportunities to improve efficiency and strengthen the organisation's financial position.
• Working with external accountants, auditors, banks and other advisers, coordinating support and preparing for annual audits.
• Maintaining financial policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with relevant financial regulations.
• Supporting the HR Manager with payroll payments and working with colleagues to resolve queries.
• Reviewing accounting systems and processes, introducing practical improvements as the organisation develops.

What we're looking for

You’ll have more than four years’ experience within a finance function, alongside experience leading a team and managing budgets across several departments.

You’ll also bring:

• A relevant finance or accounting qualification.
• Strong financial analysis and reporting skills, with the ability to explain financial information clearly to colleagues outside finance.
• Confidence managing monthly, quarterly and annual budgets and supporting business planning.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to prioritise competing deadlines.
• Confidence using accounting software, Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office applications.
• The ability to build positive working relationships with Directors, managers, colleagues and external advisers.
• A proactive approach, with the confidence to work independently and follow improvements through.
• A full manual driving licence and willingness to drive as part of the role.
• A genuine interest in supporting an organisation working with children and young people, alongside a commitment to inclusive practice and your own development.

Experience within children's residential care would be beneficial.

If you're ready to bring your finance and leadership experience to Amegreen, we'd love to hear from you.

Equality and Diversity

Amegreen is committed to being an organisation where people can be their authentic selves in a safe and inclusive environment. We are actively building diverse teams and welcome and encourage applicants from all backgrounds. If you require any accessibility adjustments to support your application, please contact us.

Safeguarding

Amegreen Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. Successful candidates will be required to go through a thorough safeguarding onboarding process which includes a full employment history review and an enhanced DBS check. Adherence to Safeguarding and GDPR requirements is mandatory for all employees.