Finance Manager – William Henry Smith Specialist College, Rastrick

William Henry Smith Foundation is seeking an experienced and highly organised Finance Manager to lead the operational management of the Foundation's finance function.

Home » Finance Manager – William Henry Smith Specialist College, Rastrick

Finance Manager

Contract: Full-time, permanent, 37 hours per week, all year round

Salary: NJC Points 33 – 38, £45,529.00 – £50,908.00 per annum

Responsible to: Finance Director

Join Our Team

William Henry Smith Foundation is seeking an experienced and highly organised Finance Manager to lead the operational management of the Foundation’s finance function. Reporting to the Finance Director, you will be responsible for ensuring robust financial controls, accurate financial processing, effective financial systems and full compliance with financial policies and procedures. This is an excellent opportunity for a finance professional who is passionate about accuracy, accountability, continuous improvement and providing high-quality financial support within a complex and purpose-driven organisation.

The Finance Manager will oversee the day-to-day financial operations of the Foundation, ensuring income is collected promptly, expenditure is appropriately controlled, financial transactions are processed accurately and financial records are maintained to a high standard.

You will lead the continuous improvement of financial systems, procedures and controls, provide timely and accurate financial information, support budget holders and manage the team of Finance Assistants. The role promotes strong financial discipline, accountability, value for money and effective stewardship of Foundation resources.

• Lead the day-to-day operation of the Foundation’s finance function, ensuring an efficient, accurate and responsive service.
• Develop, implement and maintain robust financial systems, procedures, workflows and internal controls.
• Ensure compliance with the Foundation’s Financial Regulations, Scheme of Delegation, procurement requirements and relevant policies.
• Monitor financial transactions and control accounts to identify errors, anomalies, unusual activity or control weaknesses.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives, including appropriate automation, to strengthen efficiency, accuracy, reporting and accountability.

• Ensure invoices and requests for payment are raised promptly and accurately.
• Maintain effective credit control and debt recovery processes across all income streams.
• Monitor and pursue outstanding debts and support timely collection of income.
• Liaise with local authorities, commissioners, funding bodies, parents, carers and other organisations to resolve invoice queries and secure payment.
• Monitor debtor performance and implement improvements to reduce late payment and bad debt exposure.

• Oversee purchase ledger operations and ensure supplier invoices are processed accurately and within agreed timescales.
• Ensure invoices are matched to appropriate purchase orders, coding and authorisation requirements.
• Oversee payment runs and maintain accurate supplier records.
• Monitor expenditure to ensure compliance with budgets, procurement procedures and value-for-money expectations.
• Support budget holders to understand…