Finance Manager

Finance Manager

Salary: £50,000 – £60,000
Location: South London (on-site)
Contract: Full time, permanent, year-round

Shape the financial future of a high-performing education environment

This is a rare opportunity for a qualified Finance Manager to step into a broad, influential role within a well-resourced, values-driven educational organisation. Working closely with senior leadership, you’ll play a key part in financial planning, reporting, compliance and continuous improvement, while leading day-to-day finance operations in a busy, professional setting

If you enjoy combining technical finance expertise with real stakeholder impact and want to work somewhere your work genuinely supports young people and education, this role will give you both challenge and purpose.

What you’ll gain

• A senior finance role with real visibility and influence.
• Close working relationships with the Head of Finance, Director of Finance and CFO.
• Exposure to strategic planning, capital projects and governance reporting.
• A stable, well-structured finance function with scope to improve systems and processes.
• Generous benefits including pension contributions, healthcare options and enhanced leave.
• A supportive, collegiate working culture with strong values at its core.

What you’ll do

Financial reporting & analysis

• Prepare termly and year-end management accounts and reports for senior stakeholders.
• Support statutory accounts preparation and liaise with external auditors.
• Contribute to long-term financial planning, forecasting and capital expenditure modelling.
• Support cashflow management and financial performance analysis.

Budgeting & business partnering

• Lead budget monitoring and reporting for departmental budget holders.
• Act as a trusted finance contact, providing clear analysis and value-for-money insight.
• Support commercial and partnership activity with robust financial guidance.

Operations, systems & compliance

• Maintain the general ledger and ensure accurate, timely financial recording.
• Oversee VAT compliance, returns and regulatory submissions.
• Manage fixed assets, capital accounting and reconciliations.
• Supervise bank reconciliations and balance sheet controls.
• Act as a key contact for the finance system, helping optimise reporting and efficiency.

People & process

• Supervise the payment’s function, ensuring smooth and compliant processing.
• Identify opportunities to improve processes, controls and use of technology.
• Contribute to strong financial governance, policies and procedures.

What you’ll need

• Fully qualified accountant (CCAB or CIMA).
• Strong experience producing management and statutory accounts.
• Solid knowledge of VAT and financial compliance.
• Confidence working in a complex, fast-paced environment.
• Advanced Excel skills and experience with finance systems.
• The ability to manage priorities, meet deadlines and communicate clearly with non-finance stakeholders.
• Previous experience in education or the charity sector is desirable but not essential.