Finance Manager - Brighton College

Benefits

We ensure you're rewarded for all your hard work, which is why we offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes but is not limited to:

• Contributory pension scheme
• Grow your career with our Career Pathways and My Learning programmes
• Quick access for you and your immediate family to a Digital GP, and wider healthcare benefits
• Exclusive travel discounts with TUI, Expedia,  and many more
• Save money on your food shop with discounts on Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons and many more
• Up to 44% off cinema tickets to enjoy your favourite blockbuster
• Receive cash rewards every time you spend and use them on a wide range of brands
• Un-wind with us with free wellness, mindfulness and exercise classes
• You can share all discounts and offers with your friends and families

We are recruiting a dedicated Finance Manager to support the smooth operation of one of our school contracts.

This is a full-time, permanent position (40 hours per week, Monday to Friday). 08:30 – 17:00.

In this role, you will be responsible for maintaining high standards of financial management and reporting. You’ll join a company that invests in its people, values individuality, and offers excellent opportunities for career progression.

• Monitor original bid costs versus actual performance by site and service line, including analysis of core and reactive variations
• Analyse workbook submissions and ensure accuracy of financial data
• Produce timely and accurate reports for the client as required
• Manage and track change controls for service variations, identifying where ad hoc services should be incorporated into core costs
• Ensure workbooks and associated invoices are raised promptly
• Maintain effective stock control processes
• Work collaboratively with Lodestone House and the client to ensure compliance with accounting standards
• Build and enhance monthly management information (MI) and improve reporting quality
• Provide financial insights to the client’s senior leadership team to support performance monitoring
• Carry out routine monthly data checks and analysis
• Drive continuous improvement in financial processes

We’re looking for someone who has the following:

• Experience in budgeting, financial reporting, and accounting systems
• Strong analytical and numerical skills with excellent attention to detail
• Advanced Excel and spreadsheet capability
• Ability to analyse, evaluate, and present financial information clearly
• Experience preparing financial statements, budgets, forecasts, and cash flow projections
• Confident producing and presenting reports to stakeholders
• Commercial finance experience with a track record of adding value and improving results
• Strong organisational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritise effectively
• Experience working collaboratively with internal teams and building strong client relationships
• Proactive, self‑motivated, and able to work under pressure to meet deadlines
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in financial reporting, revenue control, or similar roles
• Experience in food service or retail environments
• Familiarity with POS, cash, and card reporting
• Good working knowledge of SAP (desirable)
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel

• Degree in Accounting (preferred) or equivalent professional experience

• Experience working in multi-site or multi-contract environments (desirable)
• Team management experience (desirable)
  High standards of integrity and ethical behaviour
• Flexibility to travel to operational sites
• IT literate

As part of Compass you’ll help to feed people, fuel progress and forge connections in around 6,000 venues. Join us to grow your career with the industry leader, and get competitive pay, great perks and unrivalled opportunities for learning and development, at one of the UK's biggest businesses.

Job Reference: com/1105/C05801//SU #Lodestone House

Compass Group UK&I is committed to fostering an environment where every individual can truly be themselves at work and has equal opportunities to advance in their careers. We strive to build a culture that respects and celebrates the unique talents, beliefs, backgrounds, and abilities of all our team members. We want our colleagues to feel valued, empowered to reach their full potential, and to thrive – because diversity is our strength!