Strategic School Finance & Operations Lead

Teaching Vacancies; Rochester; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Teaching Vacancies is seeking an experienced School Business Manager for a prominent secondary school in Rochester. You will lead financial management, HR, estate management, health and safety, and admin systems, shaping strategic direction and ensuring robust governance.

You will oversee monthly reporting, auditing readiness, payroll, and procurement while driving income generation and capital projects. Strong leadership and sector-specific finance skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Excellent mathematical/accounting skills and finance leadership experience.
• Experience as a School Business Manager or Senior Finance Lead in a secondary school/MAT setting.
• Experience of lettings management and risk assessments.
• Proficiency with school financial software and MIS (FMS, Access Education, SIMS).

Responsibilities

• Provide a confidential and professional financial service preparing monthly reports, action plans, and accounts to the Headteacher and Governors.
• Ensure that all financial reports are completed to a high standard for all auditing purposes and for LA/DfE/Gov returns.
• Oversee payroll routines with external service providers to ensure accurate payments.
• Oversee the Purchase Ledger function and ensure timely payment of supplier invoices.
• Manage external lettings and ensure invoices are sent and payments received.
• Scrutinise budgets (premises, catering, ICT) for best value through contract/SLA management.
• Provide strategic oversight on large capital projects and planned maintenance.
• Identify and secure additional income streams, including grant bids and facility lettings by the community.
• Line-manage the Premises Manager and team for maintenance, health & safety, and site security.

Skills

Mathematical skills

Staff management

Lettings management

Health & safety knowledge

Financial reporting

Decision making

Education

Relevant managerial qualifications

Tools

FMS

Access Education

SIMS

Job description

Teaching Vacancies is seeking an experienced School Business Manager for a prominent secondary school in Rochester. You will lead financial management, HR, estate management, health and safety, and admin systems, shaping strategic direction and ensuring robust governance.

You will oversee monthly reporting, auditing readiness, payroll, and procurement while driving income generation and capital projects. Strong leadership and sector-specific finance skills are essential.