The Finance Manager (Education) role is critical for leading all core financial functions, especially within the education sector. This includes managing the annual budgeting process, forecasting, producing detailed monthly management accounts, performing variance analysis, and ensuring regulatory compliance. The manager will act as a key system administrator and implement financial policies.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the preparation of the annual budget and revised forecasts, and produce monthly management accounts with variance analysis and performance commentary.
- Analyse financial performance, identify cost-saving opportunities, and provide actionable insights to senior management.
- Monitor budget performance, investigate variances, and prepare regular and ad hoc financial reports for schools and departments.
- Oversee accurate and timely processing of accounting transactions in Sage, ensuring adherence to month-end reporting timelines.
- Manage cash flow, working capital, liquidity requirements, and oversee banking relationships, loan facilities, and investments.
- Maintain and reconcile all bank accounts, shareholder and group loans, and support the setup and maintenance of banking users and signatories.
- Act as Sage system super-user, overseeing system administration, chart of accounts, training, and the implementation of new systems and processes.
- Ensure accurate maintenance and reconciliation of the general ledger, balance sheet accounts, fixed asset register, and capital work in progress in line with group policy.
- Prepare half-year and year-end financial statements, coordinate internal and external audits, and ensure full compliance with statutory and tax obligations.
- Develop, implement, and monitor financial policies, internal controls, risk mitigation strategies, insurance management, and data protection and information security compliance.
Key Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
- CPA (K) or ACCA qualification is mandatory.
- A Master’s degree will be an added advantage.
- Strong experience working with or implementing large ERP systems is essential.
- Advanced proficiency in MS Excel and strong working knowledge of MS Office applications.
- Solid understanding of IFRS, generally accepted accounting principles, and sound bookkeeping practices.
- Excellent time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and consistently meet deadlines.
- Strong communication and active listening skills, with the ability to communicate clearly and accurately across all levels.
- Demonstrated critical thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to evaluate options and make sound decisions.
- Highly professional, detail-oriented, and well-organised individual.
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