Finance & Payroll Manager

Newent Community School and Sixth Form Centre are seeking an experienced, proactive and highly skilled Finance and Payroll Manager to join our dedicated team. Working closely with the Business Leader, Headteacher and senior leadership team, you will play a pivotal role in delivering effective financial management, statutory compliance and high-quality financial reporting that supports strategic decision-making across the school. This is a key responsibility position within our finance function, combining hands-on operational responsibility with financial planning, analysis and team development.

This is an exciting time to join Newent. We are on a strong and ambitious improvement journey, strengthening our culture, raising expectations and delivering excellence for our young people. As Finance and Payroll Manager, you will be instrumental in working with the Business leader to ensure the school's financial resources are managed effectively, supporting the delivery of our educational priorities and long-term strategic objectives.

The successful candidate will lead the day-to-day finance and payroll operations, oversee monthly management accounts, budgets, forecasts and financial reporting, and ensure compliance with payroll, pension, VAT and audit requirements. You will work closely with budget holders and senior leaders, providing expert financial advice and analysis, while also leading the continued development of finance systems, controls and processes. In addition, you will support and develop members of the finance team, fostering a collaborative and high-performing finance function.

This position comes with a significant level of trust and responsibility. Reporting directly to the Business Leader and managing key finance staff, you will be a central member of the school's operational leadership team, helping to ensure financial sustainability, robust governance and continuous improvement across the organisation.

We are looking for a candidate with strong management accounting, budgeting and forecasting skills, excellent attention to detail, and the ability to communicate complex financial information clearly and effectively to both financial and non-financial colleagues.