Finance Manager

Finance Manager

SCP 48-50 (£60,155 – £62,589 – award pending)

37 hours per week – 52 weeks

The Role:

The role of Finance Manager is wide-ranging and central to the effective financial management of the college. The postholder will be responsible for and oversee financial management, accounting, cashflow management, compliance, procurement, and budgeting processes. The Finance Manager will ensure robust financial controls, accurate reporting, and compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements.

Working closely with the Headteacher, the Finance Manager will provide financial insight, budgeting support, and strategic advice to ensure long-term financial sustainability.

The successful candidate will be able to prioritise workloads effectively, maintain confidentiality, remain calm under pressure, and demonstrate professionalism and discretion when dealing with colleagues and external stakeholders. A proactive, organised, and solutions-focused approach is essential.

This is a full-time post reporting to the Headteacher.

Financial Management & Reporting:

• Promotion and delivery of good financial management so that public money is safeguarded at all times and used appropriately, economically, efficiently and effectively  to support the best possible educational provision
• Produce high-quality financial reports, analysis, and commentary for internal and external stakeholders, including the preparation of reports for the Governing Body and/or Finance Committee
• Lead financial planning, budgeting, monitoring, and reporting processes.
• Advise the Headteacher and Governors on financial strategy, efficiency savings, and income generation opportunities
• Monitor financial performance, report variances, and recommend corrective actions where required
• Maintain strong financial controls to minimise risk and ensure accountability
• Ensure compliance with the Schools Financial Value Standard, College Financial Procedures and Policy, Local Authority regulations, and DfE statutory guidance
• Oversee procurement, service level agreements, payments and contract management to encourage best value
• Oversee college fund accounts, year-end accounts, audits, and statutory returns
• Optimise income opportunities through lettings, grants, trading activities, and prompt invoicing
• Support budget holders to ensure effective use of resources and value for money

• Ensure effective delivery of financial processes within the college and ensure that expenditure is managed within budget
• Ensure financial transactions, including payroll, are accurately recorded and up to date within the finance system to enable effective budget monitoring and forecasting
• Ensure that Best Value principles are applied to all relevant purchasing decisions in line with financial procedures
• Oversee purchase requests from budget holders and staff, ensuring appropriate authorisation before submission to the Finance Officer for processing
• Ensure that any cash received by the college is held securely and that the Finance Officer is promptly advised to coordinate banking
• Prepare trip costings and oversee student payments and trip expenditure in liaison with SLT where required.

Financial Control and Procurement:

• Maintain effective internal financial controls and procedures
• Oversee procurement and contract management processes to ensure compliance and best value
• Manage tendering processes, service specifications, and supplier performance
• Coordinate audit processes and respond to findings appropriately

Systems & Improvement:

• Maintain and improve financial systems
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency and achieve best value across the college
• Undertake benchmarking exercises
• Oversee the catering operation

Governance & Compliance:

• Oversee financial matters including financial controls, risk compliance, and policy development
• Oversee any audit provisions and build effective working relationships with auditors and advisors
• Produce and submit monthly statements of expenditure (MSE) to the local authority (including applications for reimbursement of VAT)
• Ensure compliance with statutory financial reporting requirements including those of HMRC and, if required, the Charities Commission
• Oversee annual returns or other DfE/Local Authority defined returns throughout the year
• Ensure financial, and other relevant policies are reviewed and where necessary updated in a timely manner
• Provide health and safety updates and reports to the Governors Health, Safety and Well-being Committee and attend such meetings

Estates, Health & Safety and Risk:

• In consultation with the Site Manager oversee facilities management, and capital developments
• Ensure Health & Safety compliance, emergency procedures, and contingency planning are in place.
• Support effective risk management (including risk assessments) and business continuity arrangements.
• To be responsible for the financial management and control of any project work, including capital projects, to ensure any works are delivered in line with the planned project budget. Attending project meetings, where directed, to liaise with other professionals engaged on such projects
• To be responsible for the production and maintenance of the college’s asset register

Marketing, Communications & External Relations

• Support initiatives aimed at maximising student numbers on roll
• Develop relationships with external partners, businesses, and community organisations
• Identify and pursue income-generation opportunities aligned with the ethos of Archbishop Beck Catholic College.
• Promote effective use of college facilities to increase revenue and strengthen community engagement

Line Management:

·         Line management of Finance Officer

·         Line management of Site Manager

·         Line management of Catering Manager

General Expectations:

• Maintain efficient systems and a professional working environment
• Work in collaboration with the HR, Admin Manager and other members of college staff including members of the Senior Leadership Team
• Safeguard and promote the welfare of all students in line with college policies and statutory requirements
• Undertake other duties appropriate to the role as required or as directed by the Headteacher.

·         Uphold and promote the ethos and values of Archbishop Beck Catholic College