Finance Manager. Job in Sevenoaks Education & Training Jobs

Dedicate Recruitment Ltd; Sevenoaks; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent independent school in Sevenoaks is seeking an experienced Finance Manager to oversee financial operations and ensure compliance with regulations. The ideal candidate will be a fully qualified accountant with leadership experience, strong analytical skills, and proficiency in relevant financial software. This is a full-time, on-site role with benefits including free lunch and competitive pension.

Benefits

Free lunch during term time

Free parking

Competitive pension

27 days leave

Qualifications

• Experience in a finance leadership role, preferably within the education or non-profit sectors.
• Strong understanding of charity accounting and SORP.
• Ability to work collaboratively with stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead on the day-to-day financial operations, including budgeting and forecasting.
• Support the Bursar in preparing monthly and annual financial statements.
• Manage payroll, pensions, and HMRC submissions.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical skills

Communication

Organizational skills

IT Proficiency

Education

Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent)

Tools

iFinance

ISAMS

Advanced Excel

Job description

Our client, an esteemed independent school in west Kent, is seeking an experienced and strategicFinance 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.

Reporting to the Bursar and leading a small team of two, the Finance Manager is responsible for:

• 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 include: free lunch during term time, free parking, competitive pension, 27 days leave.

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