Finance Manager

Finance Manager Full Time | All Year Round | Salary: up to £44,000 (depending on experience and qualifications) We’re looking for an experienced and proactive Finance Manager to join our friendly and supportive team. You’ll play a key role in managing the day-to-day financial operations of the school, ensuring strong financial control while helping us continue to provide an exceptional education for our pupils Our school is seeking an experienced and motivated Finance Manager to lead the day-to-day financial operations of our thriving independent school. Working closely with the Bursar, you’ll be responsible for ensuring accurate financial reporting, maintaining robust financial controls and supporting the strategic management of the school’s finances. The role covers all aspects of school finance, including accounts payable and receivable, budgeting, management accounts, VAT and statutory compliance, funding claims and audit preparation. We’re looking for someone with a recognised accounting or finance qualification (or who is part-qualified), excellent Excel skills and strong organisational abilities. Experience within the independent education sector and knowledge of AccountsIQ would be advantageous but are not essential. Key Responsibilities ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE • Manage the termly school fees billing cycle and generate invoices ensuring VAT compliance. • Responsible for invoicing for lettings and internal/external clubs • Allocate cash transactions to correct ledgers and manage petty cash banking ACCOUNTS PAYABLE • Process all supplier invoices, staff expenses, and purchasing card spend. • Manage supplier payments and secure approvals to meet payment terms Own the supplier setup process, including bank account verification. • Place orders and receive goods against digital purchase orders for staff. MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTING • Lead month-end reporting, including ledger management, accruals, and prepayments. • Prepare monthly variance analysis for review. • Maintain the Fixed Asset Register. • Compile external audit documents, including the Trial Balance. • Process annual bursary applications for third-party assessment. TAX COMPLIANCE AND CONTROL • Prepare monthly balance sheet reconciliations for review. • Submit quarterly VAT returns and calculate annual adjustments. • Own the annual Corporation Tax nil return and ensure tax invoice compliance. Manage School Fees Plan payments. BUDGETING AND FUNDING • Issue annual budgets to holders and upload them into the finance system. • Complete data returns and manage funding claims with Surrey County Council (SCC). Review and update internal finance policies and practices. You’ll join a welcoming, supportive team where staff wellbeing, professional development and collaboration are genuinely valued. Alongside a competitive salary, we offer generous benefits including a pension scheme, fee remission, Employee Assistance Programme, on-site parking, staff lunches and a vibrant staff community.