Finance Manger

Finance Manager

Location: Basingstoke
Salary: £45,000 - £50,000
Full-time | Permanent | onsite

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Finance Manager to join a well-established independent school. Reporting directly to the Bursar, you'll play a key role in leading the day-to-day finance function while providing high-quality financial reporting, strategic support and operational leadership.

This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious finance professional who enjoys combining hands-on financial management with business partnering, process improvement and team leadership.

The Role

Key responsibilities include:

• Preparing monthly management accounts with meaningful variance analysis and commentary.
• Supporting budgeting, forecasting and long-term financial planning.
• Producing financial reports for senior leadership and governing stakeholders.
• Leading the year-end process and supporting external audits.
• Managing group reporting requirements and ensuring reporting deadlines are achieved.
• Overseeing the day-to-day finance function, including purchase ledger, sales ledger, fee billing, credit control, banking and reconciliations.
• Taking overall responsibility for payroll, pensions and HMRC compliance.
• Maintaining robust financial controls and ensuring regulatory compliance.
• Leading and developing the finance team.
• Driving continuous improvement across finance systems, processes and reporting.
• Building strong relationships across the organisation, providing financial support and advice to non-finance stakeholders.

About You

We're looking for someone who has:

• ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualification (or is part-qualified).
• Previous experience in a Finance Manager or similar leadership role.
• Strong management accounting, budgeting and forecasting experience.
• Payroll management experience and a good understanding of HMRC compliance.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• The ability to communicate financial information clearly to non-finance colleagues.
• Experience of leading, developing and motivating a finance team.
• A proactive approach with a continuous improvement mindset.

Experience within the education sector would be advantageous but is not essential.