School Finance Manager

North East Combined Authority; Seaham; Remote; GBP 39,000 - 43,000; Full time

Job summary

Ribbon Academy is seeking an experienced School Finance Manager to lead the school's financial operations and provide strategic financial advice to support the academy's ongoing success. You will work with the Headteacher, SLT and Trustees to ensure resources are used effectively to deliver the best outcomes for pupils.

The ideal candidate will have substantial experience in financial management, budget planning and monitoring, with strong governance, compliance and risk management knowledge,

Qualifications

• Significant experience in financial management, including budget setting, monitoring, forecasting and financial reporting.
• Strong governance, compliance and risk management knowledge.
• Ability to analyse financial information and present clear recommendations to senior leaders.
• Proactive leader able to manage finance, administration and business operations with integrity.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the school's financial operations and governance framework.
• Provide strategic financial advice to support decision-making and sustainability.
• Analyse financial information and present recommendations to the Headteacher and Trustees.
• Ensure robust systems, controls and value-for-money in budgeting and reporting.
• Collaborate with Headteacher, SLT and Trustees to maximise resource use for pupil outcomes.

Skills

Financial management

Budgeting

Forecasting

Financial reporting

Job description

School Finance Manager

Grade 10 SCP 27 - 31 (£39,481 - £43,149)

37 hours per week

Whole time

Permananent

Application Deadline: 9:00am Monday 19th October 2026

We are seeking an experienced, highly organised and motivated professional to join Ribbon Academy as our School Finance Manager. This is a key leadership role responsible for leading the school's financial operations and providing strategic financial advice to support the continued success of the academy.

The successful candidate will have substantial experience in financial management, budget planning and monitoring, alongside a strong understanding of governance, compliance and risk management.

You will be able to analyse financial information, present clear recommendations, and ensure robust systems and controls are in place to support effective decision-making. We are looking for a proactive and solution-focused leader who can manage finance, administration and business operations with integrity, professionalism and attention to detail.

Working closely with the Headteacher, Senior Leadership Team and Trustees, you will play a vital role in ensuring resources are used effectively to deliver the very best outcomes for our pupils and wider school community

The ideal candiate will:

• Demonstrate significant experience in financial management, including budget setting, monitoring, forecasting and financial reporting.


• Provide strategic financial advice and challenge to support effective decision-making and long-term sustainability.


• Have a strong understanding of financial regulations, compliance requirements, risk management and internal controls.


• Lead and develop efficient financial, administrative and business support systems that promote value for money and operational excellence.


• Show excellent analytical skills, with the ability to interpret complex financial information and present clear recommendations to senior leaders and trustees.


• Build positive and professional relationships with staff, trustees, parents, external agencies and service providers.


• Manage competing priorities effectively, maintaining high levels of accuracy, organisation and attention to detail.


• Demonstrate integrity, professionalism and discretion when handling confidential and sensitive information. Lead, support and develop colleagues, promoting a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.


• Be proactive, resilient and solution-focused, identifying opportunities to improve systems, processes and efficiency.


• Be committed to safeguarding, inclusion and the wellbeing of pupils, staff and the wider school community.


• Actively promote the Trust's values and vision, contributing positively to the strategic leadership and continued success of Ribbon Academy.