Senior Finance Manager

Wiltshire; Salisbury; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

A selective academy in England is looking for a Senior Finance Manager to oversee and enhance the school's finance functions. The ideal candidate will have experience in strategic finance management, proficiency in Excel, and strong ICT skills. Responsibilities include assisting the Business Manager, line managing the Finance Officer, and ensuring compliance with financial regulations. This position offers a competitive salary on the NJC scale, and applications should be made via the school website.

Qualifications

• Managing finance functions in compliance with the Academies Trust Handbook.
• Finding and applying for grants and fundraising opportunities.
• Ability to remain calm under pressure and manage time effectively.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the smooth operation of the school’s finance functions.
• Line manage the Finance Officer.
• Ensure compliance with financial regulations and reporting.

Skills

Experience in strategic finance management

Proficiency in Excel

Strong ICT skills

Effective communication

Initiative and proactivity

Organisational and prioritisation skills

Job description

Salary

NJC scale SO1 points 23-25 (£34,434 - £36,363 FTE)

Hours of work

37 hours per week, 52 weeks a year

Contract type

Permanent

A bit about us

Selective Academy 11-18 years; NOR 1200, including 400 in Sixth Form

All about the role

We are looking to recruit an experienced, enthusiastic and highly motivated Senior Finance Manager, to join our friendly and hardworking team and assist the Business Manager to ensure the smooth and efficient operation of the many aspects of the school’s finance functions, working alongside and line managing the Finance Officer.

Key responsibilities and qualifications

The successful candidate will have experience of strategic finance management including but not limited to use of a financial information system and reporting, analysing data, payroll and pensions, purchasing and invoicing, banking, month end operations and processing income, at all times ensuring compliance with the Academies Trust Handbook and Academies Accounts Direction. They will also be proficient in Excel and have strong ICT skills.

The role also includes finding additional sources of income for the school, which may be through identifying and applying for grants or through strategies such as regular or legacy giving, capital donations and fundraising.

The successful candidate will be a confident communicator with a good head for figures, who has a warm, welcoming manner with the efficiency and skills needed to support the finance office. Candidates will need to be proactive and able to use initiative, whilst also being an integral and supportive member of our busy team. The ability to remain calm while working under pressure is essential as well as excellent organisational and prioritisation skills. They will need to demonstrate good time management and attention to detail in their work. We are seeking a positive and highly motivated individual. Experience in a school setting would be an advantage but is not essential.

Find out more and apply

Please see the school website www.swgs.wilts.sch.uk/about/vacancies for full details and an application form (CVs cannot be accepted). For any queries please contact Mrs Leah Redding, HR Manager, by email at [e-mail].

Closing date

9am, Monday 19 January 2026

Interviews

Week commencing 26 January 2026

Start date

2 March 2026 or sooner if possible

Important notes

This school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All applicants will be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service check before appointment is confirmed.

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