School Finance Manager

Position: School Finance Manager - Wandsworth, London

Salary Actual :£33,830.00 - £34,867.00

Pay Point: £42,907.00 - £44,231.00 FTE Scale S02, spinal points 27-29

Contract Type: Permanent & Full time 36 hours per week , 41 weeks a year - term time, 2 additional weeks outside of term time 44/52 pro-rata

Work From Home: Yes, 4/5 days per week.

About The School

The Headteacher who took up leadership at this school earlier this year, has a clear vision; and that is to build a dynamic, forward-thinking team and who will lead the school into a new era of success.

You'll be joining at an exciting time of development, where fresh ideas and creative approaches are not only welcomed but essential. If you're a positive, forward-thinking and strategic Finance Manager, this is very much a position for you.

About The New School Finance Manager

The Headteacher is seeking a Finance Manager who can bring enthusiasm, energy, and creativity to the school's financial management. Ideally, you will have experience in the education sector or a similar setting. You'll work closely with leadership on ambitious plans, showcasing how excellent financial management can unlock and celebrate the school's achievements.

So, if you're looking for a Finance Manager role in the ever rewarding education sector, this is your opportunity to apply your skills and dedication to help shape the continued growth and success of the school and the community it serves.

About The Role of School Finance Manager

As the new Finance Manager, you will be taking the lead in strategically managing the school's finance and procurement functions. You will be working closely with the Headteacher for the planning, development, and delivery of these services.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Strategic financial planning
• Financial resource management

This role also provides an opportunity to work in partnership with the school Trust's central Finance Team, collaborating effectively to ensure that the school benefits from an efficient and effective business and financial management service. There will also be opportunity to collaborate with other schools across the Trust, contributing your ideas and visions to joint initiatives and projects.

Duties and Responsibilities

Leadership

• Work closely with the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) to strategically lead and take accountability for the school's financial functions.
• Lead on risk management, including contingency planning, and advise the SLT on how to mitigate risks to strategic objectives.
• Develop and implement finance-related policies.
• Manage and support finance staff, including conducting performance appraisals.
• Contribute to the development and delivery of the school improvement plan, ensuring resources support improved standards of learning and achievement.
• Provide financial advice and strategic support to the SLT.
• Represent the school at Trust level on matters of finance and procurement.
• Build strong professional networks with other finance managers to share best practice and strengthen collaboration.

Strategy

Financial Planning

• Take responsibility for long-term financial planning, forecasting, and monitoring expenditure, including three-year budget plans in collaboration with senior leaders and the Trust Finance Team.
• Use benchmarking and financial management information to analyse trends and identify opportunities for improved efficiency.
• Evaluate data and systems to assess patterns and make informed recommendations.
• Explore and develop new income streams, such as bids and funding opportunities, in line with the school's ethos.

Financial Resource Management

• Ensure effective financial management of resources to secure value for money.
• Produce financial reports for the Trust and complete all statutory financial procedures.
• Maintain robust internal controls to prevent fraud and safeguard funds.
• Support budget holders in monitoring their delegated budgets.
• Track pupil cohort data to ensure accurate funding allocations (e.g. SEN, free school meals, pupil premium).
• Oversee payroll for all staff, including pension administration.
• Develop systems and procedures to enable resource managers to make cost-effective decisions.
• Prepare and validate financial information for statutory and Trust returns (DfE, ESFA, and other agencies).

Management - HR

• Manage recruitment and performance processes for finance staff in partnership with the Headteacher.
• Ensure all staff understand and follow key financial policies and procedures.
• Monitor how financial procedures are carried out and provide support where needed.
• Seek specialist advice when appropriate.
• Contribute to workforce planning by providing accurate financial information and identifying required skills, knowledge, and expertise for current and future activities.

Other Responsibilities

• Oversee procurement and contract management, including educational resources, services, subscriptions, and licences.
• Manage and develop income generation linked to school premises.
• Organise and administer school trips and curriculum-related activities (e.g. workshops, swimming lessons).
• Manage staff training and transport bookings.
• Monitor and review contracts for outsourced services.
• Oversee the delivery of external services and lettings.
• Seek and act on professional advice regarding insurance, ensuring appropriate cover is in place.

General Duties Relevant to All Staff

• Always act with professional integrity, following the staff Code of Conduct.
• Uphold safeguarding responsibilities by following the school's Child Protection procedures and reporting concerns immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead.
• Promote equal opportunities and British values in every aspect of school life.
• Challenge poor performance wherever it occurs.
• Observe all Health and Safety policies, taking reasonable care of yourself, colleagues, and pupils.
• Comply with GDPR and ensure data is handled securely.
• Safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people at all times.

We look forward to receiving your application.

Thank you