Finance Performance Analyst

At Merchant Taylors’ School, we are proud of our rich history, strong traditions and commitment to providing an outstanding education. Founded in 1561 and set within 286 acres of beautiful parkland in Northwood, our School combines centuries of heritage with a forward-thinking approach to education, creating an inspiring environment for both pupils and staff.

Our people are at the heart of everything we do, and we are committed to fostering a welcoming, collaborative and supportive working environment where colleagues feel valued and can thrive.

We are delighted to be seeking a Finance Performance Analyst to join our Finance team. This is a fantastic opportunity for a motivated and analytical individual who enjoys working with financial information, solving problems and helping to inform important decisions that contribute to the continued success of our School.

About the Role

Reporting to the Head of Financial Performance, Reporting and Analysis, you will play an important role in supporting the School's financial planning, reporting and analysis activities.

Working closely with the wider Finance team, Bursar and departmental budget holders, you will help produce accurate and timely management accounts, financial reports, budgets and forecasts, providing valuable insight to support effective financial decision-making.

This is a varied and rewarding position, offering the opportunity to develop your financial analysis and modelling skills whilst contributing to the School's longer-term financial planning and strategic projects.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Supporting the preparation of monthly management accounts, financial reports and variance analysis.

• Monitoring income and expenditure against budgets, providing clear commentary and financial insights.

• Working with departmental budget holders to support effective financial management.

• Assisting with annual budgets, cashflow forecasts and longer-term financial planning.

• Supporting financial modelling and analysis to inform strategic decisions and investment opportunities.

• Assisting with year-end accounts, audit preparation and financial reporting.

  Please see the attached job specification for more details.

About You

We are looking for a highly organised, enthusiastic and detail-oriented finance professional who enjoys working collaboratively and takes pride in producing accurate, high-quality work.

You will ideally be part-qualified CIMA, ACCA or ACA, or AAT qualified, with at least two years' experience in a finance or management accounting role. Candidates qualified by experience will also be considered.

You will bring strong Excel skills, experience using accounting systems and an analytical approach to problem-solving. Just as importantly, you will be a confident communicator, able to explain financial information clearly and build positive working relationships with colleagues across the School.

Experience within an independent school, charity or not-for-profit organisation would be advantageous but is not essential.

Above all, we are looking for someone with a positive, proactive approach who is keen to develop professionally and contribute to the success of our School.

Why Join Merchant Taylors’ School?

We recognise that our staff are central to everything we achieve, and we are proud to offer a supportive working environment alongside a competitive benefits package, including:

• A contributory pension scheme with a 15% employer contribution.
• 25 days' annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Life assurance and income protection.
• Support for professional development and professional membership fees.
• Access to our excellent leisure facilities, including the swimming pool, gym and lake.
• Complimentary lunch when the School Catering Department is open.
• Free on-site parking and access to electric vehicle charging.
• A range of lifestyle benefits, including retail discounts and Cycle to Work schemes.
• Staff fee remission on school fees, subject to eligibility and admissions criteria.

Benefits are subject to the relevant eligibility criteria.

Working Hours

37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday, normally 8.30am - 5.00pm, including a one-hour unpaid lunch break. Some flexibility around working hours may be available.

Start Date: As soon as possible

Closing Date: Friday 6 November 2026

Interviews: Week commencing 9 November 2026

We encourage early applications as shortlisting and interviews may take place before the closing date. We reserve the right to close the vacancy early should a suitable candidate be appointed.

If you are looking for an opportunity to develop your finance career whilst becoming part of a thriving, historic and welcoming School community, we would love to hear from you.

Safeguarding and Equal Opportunities

Merchant Taylors’ School is an equal opportunities employer committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff are expected to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be subject to appropriate safeguarding and pre-employment checks, including an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.