Finance Manager – Independent School – Birmingham

Finance Manager – Independent School – Birmingham Start Date: As soon as possible Contract: Full-time, Permanent Salary: Paid to scale School Information: This is a 4 to 18 highly respected Independent School located in Birmingham, known for its exceptional academic results, outstanding co-curricular programme, and strong reputation for pastoral care. The school is situated on an elegant campus featuring historic buildings, contemporary facilities, performing arts spaces, STEM centres, and landscaped grounds. It is widely regarded as one of the leading independent schools in Wales, attracting students from across the UK and internationally. The school prides itself on fostering ambition, creativity, and intellectual curiosity. Behaviour across the school is exemplary, with students demonstrating respect, motivation, and pride in their community. Staff work within a supportive culture where collaboration, communication, and shared values underpin daily practice. Leadership at the school is visionary and committed to maintaining the school’s prestigious reputation through rigorous standards, continuous development, and strong financial stewardship. The school places significant emphasis on robust financial management, sustainable budgeting, and ensuring long-term economic stability. This makes it an inspiring environment for a Finance Manager committed to excellence, accuracy, and efficient financial operations. Finance Department: The Finance Department is central to the smooth running of the school and plays a key strategic role in long-term planning, budgeting, income management, and financial compliance. The department oversees accounts payable/receivable, payroll coordination, financial reporting, budgeting for academic and pastoral departments, fee processing, procurement, audit preparation, and financial risk management. As the Finance Manager, your responsibilities will include: • Leading the day-to-day financial operations of the school. • Preparing monthly management accounts and financial statements. • Producing detailed analysis for senior leadership and the governing board. • Managing fee billing, income tracking, and debtor control. • Overseeing payroll processes, pensions, and contract changes. • Monitoring departmental budgets and advising staff on spending. • Handling procurement, supplier negotiations, and purchasing compliance. • Ensuring audit preparation and supporting annual financial reviews. • Managing bank reconciliations, cash flow forecasting, and investment tracking. • Supporting long-term financial planning and risk assessments. • Ensuring compliance with charity, company, and education-sector financial regulations. The department uses modern digital finance systems, providing you with efficient tools to streamline workflows, increase accuracy, and support strategic decision-making. The Finance Manager works closely with the School Business Manager, HR team, administrative staff, and external auditors. The role requires professionalism, excellent judgement, strategic thinking, and a keen eye for detail. This is a high-impact position where your work will directly influence the school’s ability to invest in facilities, resources, bursaries, staffing, and future developments. Requirements: • Strong experience in financial management, ideally within education or the non-profit sector. • Relevant finance qualification (AAT, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent). • Excellent numeracy, analysis, and budgeting skills. • Strong understanding of financial regulations and audit processes. • Proficiency with finance software and advanced Excel skills. • Ability to present financial information clearly to non-specialists. • Exceptional organisational skills and attention to detail. • Ability to work collaboratively and maintain strong professional relationships. • Commitment to confidentiality, professionalism, and safeguarding. Application – Finance Manager To apply, please send your CV as soon as possible.