School Finance Manager

Job Title: School Finance Manager 📍 Location: Wandsworth, London 💷 Salary: £44,000 per annum 📅 Contract Type: Full-Time | Temp to Perm 🕒 Start Date: ASAP About the Role We are seeking an experienced and detail-oriented School Finance Manager to join a highly regarded school in Wandsworth on a full-time, temp-to-perm basis. This is a fantastic opportunity for a finance professional with school-based experience to step into a strategic role supporting the school's operational and financial planning. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing the full spectrum of the school's financial operations - from budgeting and reporting to audits and procurement - ensuring compliance with Department for Education (DfE) requirements and supporting senior leadership in making data-driven financial decisions. Key Responsibilities Manage the school's financial systems, ensuring accurate budgeting, forecasting, and reporting. Oversee and prepare monthly management accounts and year-end financial statements. Lead on DfE financial reporting, ensuring compliance with funding regulations and audit standards. Monitor income and expenditure in line with agreed budgets, flagging any discrepancies or risks. Manage and reconcile payroll and liaise with external payroll providers as required. Provide strategic financial advice to the Headteacher, Governors, and Trust/LA partners. Support procurement and contract management, ensuring value for money and legal compliance. Prepare for and manage internal and external audits, liaising with auditors and stakeholders. Supervise and support finance or administrative staff, where applicable. Maintain up-to-date knowledge of financial compliance, funding changes, and school business operations. Essential Experience & Skills Proven experience in a school, college, or educational finance role. Strong understanding of DfE financial regulations and reporting requirements. Demonstrated experience in budget management, audits, and forecasting. Excellent financial analysis, reporting, and planning skills. Confident liaising with senior stakeholders, including SLT, Governors, and Local Authorities. Highly organised with strong attention to detail and time management. Desirable Qualifications & Systems Experience AAT, CIMA, ACCA (or equivalent finance qualifications) Experience using one or more of the following systems: PS Financials (PSF) FMS Civica SIMS Arbor Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and data analysis tools. Personal Qualities Strategic thinker with a proactive approach to problem-solving. Professional, trustworthy, and able to handle confidential information. Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal. Calm under pressure and able to meet deadlines. Flexible, approachable, and team-oriented. Why Join This School? Supportive senior leadership and collaborative working culture. Opportunity to make a real impact on the financial stability and success of the school. Long-term opportunity with the potential to move into a permanent role. Excellent location in Wandsworth with great transport links and local amenities. Compliance Requirements All applicants must have a valid Right to Work in the UK. An Enhanced DBS on the Update Service is required or must be obtained prior to starting. How to Apply If you are an experienced school finance professional looking for a new opportunity to grow and contribute to a purposeful environment, we would love to hear from you. Please apply with your up-to-date CV and a short cover note outlining your relevant experience