Finance Manager

Location: Virginia Water

Finance Manager - Education Sector - Fantastic role and organisation Finance Manager
• Full Time • £50,000–£60,000 Hays Senior Finance are exclusively recruiting for an exceptional opportunity that has arisen for an experienced Finance Manager to join one of Gloucestershires most prestigious independent schools. Reporting directly to the Director of Finance, this pivotal role will lead the operational heart of the Finance Team—driving excellence in financial management, reporting, systems, and governance across a complex and dynamic educational environment.

The Role The Finance Manager will play a critical part in shaping and delivering the organisations financial strategy. The successful candidate will:
Lead the development and delivery of the annual finance work plan. Maintain and enhance financial policies, procedures, controls, and reporting standards. Play a key role in the implementation of a new finance system, driving process improvements and operational efficiency. Oversee month‑end and year‑end closedown, Balance Sheet reconciliations, and statutory reporting in accordance with FRS
102 and Charity SORP. Produce management information, forecasts, KPIs, and analytics to support decision‑making across the organisation Partner with academic, commercial, and support departments to strengthen financial understanding and performance. Manage the College’s annual budget cycle and ongoing monitoring processes. Ensure VAT compliance, including partial exemption and Capital Goods Scheme calculations. Lead the external audit process and act as the primary point of contact for auditors.

Oversee fees and bursaries processes, ensuring accurate billing, debtor management, and administration of the Fees In Advance Scheme. Manage the Finance Team, supporting development, wellbeing, and continuous improvement. Deputise for the Director of Finance when required. Person Specification

Qualifications:

Fully or part qualified accountant (CIMA, ACCA, ACA or equivalent).

Experience:

Minimum 3 years in a senior financial role. Strong IT skills with experience of integrated finance systems. Demonstrable expertise in both management and financial accounting. Proven ability to produce accurate, timely financial information. Experience improving financial processes in a growing or evolving organisation. Skills & Attributes:
Strong analytical and problem‑solving ability. Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage deadlines. Proactive, solutions‑focused, and committed to continuous improvement. Commercially astute with strong business partnering capability. Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills. High integrity and commitment to confidentiality. Terms & Benefits Salary: £50,000–£60,000, dependent on experience

Hours:

37.5 hours, Monday–Friday (9am–5:30pm) Lunch provided during term time Access to sports facilities Subsidised Benenden health scheme Pension scheme (post‑probation) What you need to do now If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now. If this job isn't quite right for you but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion on your career.  

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