FINANCE MANAGER - Independent Nursery and Prep School

FINANCE MANAGER - Independent Nursery and Prep School

Contract: Full-time

Site: Role mainly based at school with some occasional remote work permitted

Reporting to: Headteacher of the school

Start date: Summer Term 2024

Holidays: This term-time position entails up to 2 weeks of additional work outside term time (which can be done remotely) with potential for expansion to 3 weeks due to school growth.

Our client, an independent Nursery and Prep school in Islington, is seeking a Finance Manager to start with them as soon as possible.

The school prioritises families and children, emphasising pastoral care. Indeed, the school was founded by local parents to provide a high quality early years provision. The school has since expanded into a growing prep school. With small class sizes, a warm and supportive school community, and ample opportunities for teacher involvement in school-wide events, the schools fosters a conducive learning environment. The school is dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, expecting all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

The school is seeking a self-reliant Finance Manager to support the Head and Business Manager in overseeing the school's financial resources as the school continues to grow.

In this pivotal role, you will manage various financial aspects, including management accounting, budgeting, and bookkeeping, in a warm, nurturing, independent school environment.

Key responsibilities include:

1. Management Accounting
   • Preparation of termly management accounts for School Governors, covering all accounting entries, reconciliations, and variance analyses.
2. Budgeting
   • Development of the annual budget in consultation with school leadership, including fee increase proposals and staff salary budgeting.
3. Statutory Accounts and Audit
   • Preparation of statutory accounts and acting as the main contact for annual audits.
4. Bookkeeping
   • Handling all accounting entries using Sage 50 Accounts, including invoicing, payment processing, and bank reconciliations.
5. Tax Compliance
   • Ensuring adherence to the UK tax regime, managing VAT registration and reporting as necessary.
6. Payroll
   • Managing monthly payroll processes using Sage 50 Payroll, including employee record maintenance, submissions, and pension payments.

• Preparing termly forecasts, salary reviews, and maintaining various administrative tasks related to finance and governance.

Person Specification

Essential:

• Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA) with experience in a small team environment.
• Proficiency in bookkeeping and preparation of statutory accounts.
• Strong organizational skills and self-motivation.
• Effective communication abilities across various stakeholders.
• Excellent MS Excel and analytical skills.

Desirable:

• Experience with Sage 50 Accounts and Sage 50 Payroll.
• Knowledge of the Charity Sector and independent education sector.

Benefits:

• Up to 17 weeks of holiday leave
• 5% pension contribution
• Life insurance
• Paid sick leave
• School fee reduction,
• Discretionary Christmas bonus
• Flexible working hours (8:15 am - 4:00 pm) are available, provided job requirements are met.

If this role sounds of interest, then please apply within or call Ella at Connaught Education for further details.

Connaught Education - The Independent School Specialists

Connaught Education is a trading brand of Connaught Resourcing and operates as an Employment Business and an Employment Agency. We are a committed equal opportunities employer who respect and value cultural diversity. We are committed to supporting the welfare of children and young people. In support of current Safeguarding legislation we will carry out background checks and an Enhanced DBS Disclosure as part of our recruitment and selection procedures.