Finance Manager

Finance Manager

Full Time (maternity cover)

Job Purpose

Bath Academy is an independent school and sixth form in Bath, providing personalised education for students aged 14–19 through GCSE, A Level and University Foundation programmes. The Academy supports UK and international students through small group teaching and individual support, helping them prepare for university and further study.

Bath Academy is seeking a proactive and organised Finance Operations Manager to manage day-to-day finance operations and provide accurate financial information to support the Principal and senior leadership team. The role combines hands-on financial administration with management accounting, budgeting, forecasting and the development of effective financial controls across the Academy.

Key ResponsibilitiesFinance operations and student billing

· Manage day-to-day finance operations, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, purchasing support and billing administration.

· Prepare and oversee student fee invoices, record receipts and maintain accurate student account balances in liaison with Admissions and Administration.

· Manage credit control, follow up outstanding fees and resolve billing queries professionally with parents, students, agents and colleagues as appropriate.

· Process supplier invoices, reconcile supplier accounts and arrange payments in accordance with agreed authorisation procedures.

· Maintain purchasing controls and accurate financial records, including bank and ledger reconciliations.

· Act as the first point of escalation for operational finance queries and provide clear guidance on finance procedures.

Management accounts and reporting

· Prepare monthly management accounts, including journals, accruals, prepayments and intercompany transactions where applicable.

· Produce monthly financial reports with variance analysis and commentary, highlighting key issues and recommendations for the Principal.

· Coordinate month-end activities and ensure transactional finance deadlines are met.

· Develop and maintain cost accounting processes in partnership with the Vice Principal and relevant departmental managers.

Budgeting and financial planning

· Prepare and maintain budgets, forecasts and cash flow reports to support operational and strategic decisions.

· Monitor income and expenditure across the Academy’s educational programmes and other activities, identifying trends and financial risks.

· Review costs, supporting budget holders with spending decisions and identify opportunities to improve efficiency.

· Provide financial analysis and support for projects and other decisions as required.

Payroll and statutory reporting

· Support monthly payroll processing, ensuring information is accurate and submitted on time.

· Support the preparation of quarterly VAT returns for external submission.

· Support the preparation of annual statutory accounts and external audits, maintaining accurate supporting documentation.

· Maintain financial records and controls in line with relevant regulatory requirements and Academy policies.

Systems and process improvement

· Maintain the accuracy and integrity of financial systems and data.

· Improve finance workflows, controls and processes through appropriate automation and system development.

· Build effective working relationships across the Academy and communicate financial information clearly to colleagues.

· Undertake relevant CPD and finance systems training to support effective performance in the role.

General duties

· Handle financial, staff and student information confidentially and in accordance with data protection requirements.

· Comply with safeguarding policies, procedures and the employee code of conduct.

· Undertake other reasonable duties appropriate to the role to support the work of Bath Academy.

Person SpecificationEssential

· AAT qualified, part-qualified ACCA/CIMA.

· Experience in finance operations and the preparation of management accounts.

· Strong knowledge of accounting principles, financial controls, budgeting and cash flow reporting.

· Experience using financial systems, databases and Excel, with strong attention to detail.

· Excellent customer service skills and the ability to communicate sensitively with families and all other stakeholders.

· Excellent organisation and communication skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.

· A professional approach to confidential information and a commitment to safeguarding.

Desirable

· Experience working in a school or education setting, including student fee billing.

· Experience using a school management information system, preferably iSAMS, and working with international families or education agents.

· Experience of improving financial processes, purchasing controls or implementing finance systems.

Key Attributes

Professional and approachable; highly organised and reliable; proactive and solution-focused; able to work independently and collaboratively; a team player who enjoys working in a busy environment; confident communicating financial information to colleagues and families without a finance background.

How to apply

To apply or request further information, please email your CV and a covering letter to [email protected].

Bath Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Recruitment includes checks with previous employers and an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check. Online and social media checks may also be undertaken.

Benefits: Company Pension Scheme. Work Location: In person.

Pay: £36,500.00 per year

Work Location: In person