Finance Manager

An exciting opportunity has risen for an experienced finance professional to join our client, we are looking for a confident and personable Finance Manager to lead and manage the effective running of the Finance Department and contribute to the ongoing success.

The Finance Manager is accountable for the operational management and delivery of all core financial services and reporting for our client.

Reporting directly to the Director of Finance, the postholder is responsible for the production of monthly and annual accounts, budget setting and forecasting, robust internal controls, statutory returns, and cashflow management. This is a hands-on leadership role requiring both technical excellence and strong team and stakeholder management.

The Finance Manager will ensure finance is a proactive, responsive service that supports our client in achieving its strategic and operational goals.

This is a hands-on leadership role that requires both technical expertise and strong communication skills. You'll work closely with senior leaders, translating complex financial information into clear insights to support informed decision-making across the organisation. You will also be managing a small finance team fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.

The ideal candidate will be a qualified accountant (CCAB or equivalent) with at least 2-4 years' post-qualification experience. You'll bring a strong track record in financial reporting, budgeting, and team leadership.

Key Responsibilities:

Financial Leadership

• Act as the operational lead for all finance activity, ensuring the integrity, accuracy, and completeness of our clien'ts financial records.
• Work closely with the Director of Finance on budgeting, forecasting, financial modelling, and scenario planning.
• Provide expert advice to the Senior Leadership Team to support strategic and financial decision-making.
• Translate complex financial data into accessible information to support decision-making.

Management Accounts and Reporting

• Oversee and be accountable for the production of accurate and timely monthly management accounts, including detailed variance analysis, cashflow forecasts, and performance commentary.
• Monitor in-year financial performance, flag risks, and advise on mitigations or corrective action.
• Present management accounts to the Director of Finance following internal review and quality checks.
• Lead the preparation of annual financial statements and returns in accordance with statutory requirements.
• Ensure all funding streams are accurately captured and monitored.
• Maintain a deep understanding of all income streams relevant to the FE and HE sector, including 16-19, ASF, Apprenticeships, HE and capital funding.
• Work closely with MIS and other departments to ensure funding data is reconciled, maximised, and compliant.
• Oversee financial modelling for capital bids, restructuring costs, projects and staffing models.

Budgeting, Forecasting and Planning

• Lead on the preparation of our client's annual revenue and capital budgets and multi-year financial forecasts.
• Work with the Management Accountants and budget holders to ensure timely and accurate budget packs are prepared.
• Coordinate the curriculum financial planning process to ensure viability, efficiency, and alignment with strategic priorities.
• Oversee the ongoing development of key financial models and spreadsheets, including pay tracking, budget templates, and management accounts templates.

Financial Control and Compliance

• Ensure that all financial processes and procedures are followed across the team, embedding strong financial controls and accurate record-keeping.
• Review and sign off on key balance sheet reconciliations, escalating concerns to the Director of Finance.
• Work with the Director of Finance to complete the DfE CFFR returns.
• Lead the preparation and submission of VAT returns, advising on VAT treatment of education-related matters.

• Lead the preparation of Corporation Tax working papers and submissions.
• Ensure year-end accounts are prepared in line with accounting standards and ready for audit, including the preparation of micro-entity accounts where required.

• Support the coordination of internal and external audits, providing accurate documentation and timely responses to queries.

Team Management and Leadership

• Directly manage and support the Finance team (Senior Accountant, Management Accountant, Financial Services Coordinator), ensuring delivery of individual and team objectives.
• Provide clear direction and development opportunities to team members through regular 1:1s, appraisals, and performance management.
• Foster a team culture of accountability, professional growth, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Be proactive in supporting other team members and stepping in where required.

General Responsibilities

General and College Responsibilities

• Contribute as a member of the Senior Management Team to site-wide strategy, planning and events.
• Promote a culture of high performance, continuous improvement, professional integrity and service excellence.
• Participate in key events, rotas and activities as required.
• Comply with our client's safeguarding, equality and health & safety policies, setting a strong example for others.
• Identify, manage, and mitigate risks associated with finance operations and contribute to corporate risk management practices.
• Undertake additional responsibilities or projects as agreed with the Director of Finance.
• Actively participate in training, events, and team-building activities as part of the wider leadership community.

This will be a full time, permanent position and will be based at our Watford site.

The closing date for applications is 4th July 2025.

Connect2Employment is a trading style of Luton & Kent Commercial Services LLP - A joint venture between Luton Borough Council & Commercial Services Kent Ltd. Connect2Employment is an equal opportunities Employment Agency & Business. It positively encourages applications from all suitably qualified and eligible candidates.