Strategic School Finance & Payroll Manager

WeDoData; England; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

WeDoData is seeking an experienced Finance & Payroll Manager for a Bristol-based school. You will oversee day-to-day finance and payroll, ensuring strong controls and timely reporting to support educational priorities.

Responsibilities include monthly accounts, budgets, forecasts and payroll duties, with collaboration across the leadership team. ACCA welcome; this role offers visibility into school-wide financial planning and governance.

Qualifications

• AAT qualification and sound understanding of accounting principles.
• At least two years' experience in a finance office environment.
• Strong management accounting, budgeting and forecasting skills.
• Experience of computerised finance systems and financial controls.
• Excellent Excel and wider ICT skills.
• Exceptional attention to detail and organisational skills.
• The ability to explain financial information clearly to non-finance colleagues.
• A proactive, collaborative and solution-focused approach.
• The ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.
• Experience managing a close-knit team.
• ACCA qualification welcomed.

Responsibilities

• Leading day-to-day finance and payroll operations.
• Preparing monthly management accounts, budgets and financial forecasts.
• Monitoring departmental budgets and providing financial advice to budget holders and senior leaders.
• Managing monthly payroll and liaising with pension providers.
• Ensuring compliance with VAT, payroll, pensions, audit and financial regulations.
• Supporting year-end accounts and external audit processes.
• Maintaining strong financial controls and improving systems and processes.
• Leading and developing members of the finance team.
• Supporting the wider school community with financial planning and operational matters.

Skills

Accounting principles

Budgeting

Forecasting

Excel

Payroll management

Financial controls

Communication

Education

AAT qualification

ACCA welcomed

Job description

WeDoData is seeking an experienced Finance & Payroll Manager for a Bristol-based school. You will oversee day-to-day finance and payroll, ensuring strong controls and timely reporting to support educational priorities.

Responsibilities include monthly accounts, budgets, forecasts and payroll duties, with collaboration across the leadership team. ACCA welcome; this role offers visibility into school-wide financial planning and governance.