Finance Manager

Dedicate Recruitment Ltd; Tonbridge; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An esteemed independent school in west Kent is seeking a Finance Manager to oversee financial operations. You will lead budgeting, reporting, and compliance while managing payroll and audits. The ideal candidate is a fully qualified accountant with experience in education or non-profit sectors. Strong analytical and communication skills are essential for this on-site, full-time role, which offers competitive benefits including free lunch during term time and a generous pension.

Benefits

Free lunch during term time

Free parking

Competitive pension

25 days leave

Qualifications

• Experience in finance leadership, ideally in education or non-profit sectors.
• Knowledge of charity accounting and SORP is essential.
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead financial operations including budgeting and forecasting.
• Prepare and present financial statements to key stakeholders.
• Manage payroll and HMRC submissions with HR.

Skills

Financial reporting

Budgeting

Cash flow management

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Organisational skills

Education

Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA)

Tools

Advanced Excel

iFinance

ISAMS

Job description

Overview

Our client, an esteemed independent school in west Kent, is seeking an experienced and strategic Finance Manager to oversee the school\'s financial operations. This is a key leadership role responsible for ensuring sound financial management, regulatory compliance, and efficient budgetary planning to support the school\'s long-term sustainability and growth.

Responsibilities

• Leading on the day-to-day financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, and cash flow management.
• Support the Bursar in preparing and presenting monthly and annual financial statements to the Headteacher, Governors, and Finance Committee.
• Manage payroll, pensions, and HMRC submissions in collaboration with the HR team.
• Understanding VAT calculations, recovery and part exemptions.
• Oversee the preparation for annual audits and liaise with external auditors.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant accounting standards, charity commission regulations, and school policies.
• Advise on financial strategy, investment planning, and risk management.
• Work closely with senior leadership to align financial planning with the school\'s development objectives.
• Supervise and support the finance team to maintain a high standard of accuracy and efficiency.
• Maintain strong relationships with banks, insurers, and other external stakeholders.

The successful Finance Manager will be

• A fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent).
• Bring proven experience in a finance leadership role, preferably within the education or non-profit sectors.
• Strong understanding of charity accounting and SORP.
• Excellent IT skills, including advanced Excel and financial software proficiency.
• Strong analytical, communication, and organisational skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Experience in an independent or fee-paying school environment.
• Knowledge of school finance systems such as iFinance and ISAMS.

You will be joining a collaborative team and a school which is entering the next stage of its ambitious commercial plans.

This is an all year through, on-site, full-time role.

Benefits

Benefits include: free lunch during term time, free parking, competitive pension, 25 days leave.