Finance & Operations Manager

International Education Systems; Sidmouth; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

St John's School, Sidmouth seeks a hands-on Finance & Operations Manager to lead financial administration and non-academic operations. The role covers budgeting, forecasting, reporting, payroll controls, procurement, and estates management, reporting to the CFO in a full-time, year-round capacity.

We value a proactive, analytical leader with experience across finance and facilities, capable of advising senior leaders and turning inefficiencies into practical improvements, including safeguarding

Qualifications

• Significant experience in a finance, operations or business management role.
• Strong budgeting, forecasting and reporting skills with robust financial controls.
• Experience managing premises, facilities or wider operational services.
• Analytical skills and confidence with finance and management information systems.
• Ability to advise senior leaders, challenge constructively and drive improvements.
• Commitment to safeguarding and welfare of children.

Responsibilities

• Budgeting, forecasting, management reporting and financial modelling.
• Day-to-day finance: purchase and sales ledgers, banking, reconciliations, fees, debtors and credit control.
• Financial controls over payroll.
• Procurement, contracts and supplier management, with focus on value for money.
• Estates and facilities: maintenance, housekeeping, catering, transport and health & safety.
• Operational risk, compliance, business continuity and continuous improvement.

Skills

Budgeting

Forecasting

Management reporting

Financial controls

Procurement

Estates and facilities

Operational risk

Education

ACA/ACCA/CIMA or equivalent

Job description

Hiring: Finance & Operations Manager | St John's School, Sidmouth (EX10 8RG), UK

We are looking for a hands-on finance and operations professional to lead its financial administration and non-academic operations. The role is full-time, all year round, and reports to the Chief Financial Officer.

What you'll lead

• Budgeting, forecasting, management reporting and financial modelling
• Day-to-day finance: purchase and sales ledger, banking, reconciliations, fees, debtors and credit control
• Financial controls over payroll
• Procurement, contracts and supplier management, with a focus on value for money
• Estates and facilities: maintenance, housekeeping, catering, transport and health & safety
• Operational risk, compliance, business continuity and continuous improvement

What we're looking for

• Significant experience in a finance, operations or business management role
• Strong budgeting, forecasting and reporting skills, with robust financial controls
• Experience managing premises, facilities or wider operational services
• Strong analytical skills and confidence with finance and management information systems
• The ability to advise senior leaders, challenge constructively and turn inefficiencies into practical improvements
• Integrity, discretion and a calm, proactive approach, strategic but comfortable with day-to-day operational detail
• A real commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children

A plus: ACA, ACCA or CIMA, or equivalent experience; experience in an independent or boarding school; knowledge of the Independent School Standards and ISI inspection requirements; IOSH or NEBOSH; experience in a group or multi-site organisation or in change management.