Strategic School Finance & Operations Manager

St John Fisher Catholic Comprehensive School; Rochester; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

St John Fisher Catholic Comprehensive School in Rochester is seeking an experienced School Business Manager to provide financial leadership for a large secondary school. You will oversee financial management, HR, estate management, health and safety, and administrative systems, balancing strategic aims with day-to-day delivery.

You will lead budgeting, reporting to the Headteacher and Governors, manage lettings and contracts, and drive value through efficient procurement and capital projects,

Qualifications

• Excellent mathematical/accounting skills and experience as a School Business Manager or Senior Finance Lead ideally within a secondary school or multi-academy trust(MAT) setting.
• Ability to work independently under time pressure, make decisions, and show initiative when problem solving.
• Experience of managing staff.
• Experience of lettings management, risk assessments, etc.
• Knowledge of Health and Safety legislation and requirements.
• Experience of maintaining accurate and up-to-date administration, reports and records.

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.
• Work with external service provider on monthly payroll routines to ensure payments are accurate.
• Oversee the Purchase Ledger function ensuring all suppliers invoices are paid in a timely manner.
• Manage external lettings, liaising with external companies seeking to utilise our facilities. Ensure sales invoices are sent and paid in a timely manner.
• Scrutinise premises, catering, and ICT budgets to ensure best value practices through robust contract and SLA management.
• Provide strategic oversight on large capital projects and planned maintenance programmes.
• Proactively identify and secure additional income streams, including grant funding bids and encouraging facility lettings by the local community.
• Line-manage the Premises Manager and team to deliver the required maintenance, health and safety, and security of our school buildings, facilities and site.

Skills

Mathematical skills

Independent working

Staff management

Lettings management

Health & safety knowledge

Administration

Time management

Team player

Education

SBM experience in secondary school

Tools

FMS

Access Education

SIMS

Job description

St John Fisher Catholic Comprehensive School in Rochester is seeking an experienced School Business Manager to provide financial leadership for a large secondary school. You will oversee financial management, HR, estate management, health and safety, and administrative systems, balancing strategic aims with day-to-day delivery.

You will lead budgeting, reporting to the Headteacher and Governors, manage lettings and contracts, and drive value through efficient procurement and capital projects,