Job Description

Are you a strategic and results-driven finance leader seeking an opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a forward-thinking organisation? Our client, a well-established and innovative company in the education sector, is looking for an experienced Finance Manager to join their team. This is a unique opportunity to lead financial operations, drive data-backed decision-making, and support the company’s ambitious transformation and growth journey.

About the Role

As the Finance Manager you will play a critical role in shaping the company’s strategic direction by leading financial operations, ensuring compliance, and integrating data analytics into decision-making processes. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, you’ll manage all aspects of financial planning, budgeting, and reporting while championing process improvement and supporting cross-departmental initiatives.

This role offers significant potential for professional growth, including opportunities to expand into wider organisational responsibilities as the business continues to evolve.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and implement a forward-looking strategic financial plan aligned with the company’s overall goals.
• Provide cross-departmental financial support to ensure effective execution of the strategic plan.

Financial Operations

• Lead annual budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis processes to inform key decision-making.
• Drive data-driven financial planning by leveraging analytics for accurate forecasting and business insights.
• Deliver timely and relevant financial reports to key stakeholders to support informed decisions.

Governance and Compliance

• Oversee compliance with tax, audit, and regulatory requirements, maintaining robust internal controls.
• Manage external auditor relationships and ensure the audit plan addresses key financial risks.

Team Leadership and Development

• Manage, mentor, and develop the finance team, fostering a culture of excellence and collaboration.
• Champion process improvements across financial operations to drive efficiency and effectiveness.

Risk and Opportunity Management

• Monitor and mitigate risks, including credit, cash, and insurance risks.
• Conduct financial analysis of business opportunities to support growth and innovation.

What You’ll Bring

Skills and Competencies

• Expertise in financial analysis, with the ability to translate data into actionable insights.
• Strong strategic thinking, with a focus on aligning financial management to broader business objectives.
• Exceptional communication skills to effectively engage with stakeholders at all levels.
• A proven ability to lead and develop high-performing teams.
• A proactive and innovative approach to process improvement.

Qualifications and Experience

• A professional accounting qualification (e.g., ACCA, ACA, CIMA) is essential.
• Extensive experience in financial management, with a strong track record of supporting strategic decision-making.
• Demonstrated leadership capabilities and experience in mentoring teams.
• A keen understanding of financial governance, compliance, and risk management.

This is more than a finance role—it’s a chance to shape the future of an organisation committed to making a difference. You’ll benefit from:

• The opportunity to work in a dynamic and innovative sector.
• A role that offers significant professional growth and development.
• The chance to make a tangible impact on the company’s transformation and success.

If you’re a strategic thinker with a passion for driving financial excellence and innovation, we’d love to hear from you.