Finance Manager

Ivy Rock Partners is supporting a growing, values-led education trust in the appointment of a Finance Manager to provide high-quality financial leadership across a group of specialist education settings.

This is a senior operational finance role, offering the opportunity to work closely with executive and academy leadership teams to ensure strong financial planning, control and decision-making.

The role

The Finance Manager will be responsible for the financial management, planning and reporting for multiple sites, working in partnership with senior leaders to ensure resources are deployed effectively, compliantly and in line with best value principles.

The role combines hands-on financial management with strategic support, requiring strong relationship-building skills and the confidence to challenge, advise and influence at senior level.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Leading financial planning and management across multiple sites, aligned to improvement plans and organisational priorities
• Developing and maintaining robust financial systems, processes and controls
• Preparing annual budgets and multi-year forecasts as part of longer-term financial planning
• Producing timely and accurate monthly management accounts and financial reports for senior leaders and budget holders
• Monitoring income and expenditure, holding review meetings to challenge assumptions and promote best value
• Maintaining accurate accounting records, including trial balances, balance sheets and reconciliations
• Managing payroll processes, ensuring accuracy, authorisation and compliance with deadlines
• Preparing and maintaining cashflow forecasts to support effective decision-making
• Supporting audits and liaising with auditors and internal stakeholders
• Overseeing bank accounts, control accounts, purchase and sales ledgers
• Supporting income generation, sponsorship and funded projects, including reporting against funder requirements
• Providing financial analysis, costings and insights to support strategic and operational decisions
• Contributing to trust-wide finance initiatives and continuous improvement projects

About you

This role will suit an experienced finance professional who enjoys working in a mission-driven environment and is confident supporting non-finance leaders with clear, practical financial guidance.

You are likely to bring:

• AAT Level 3 or equivalent experience; professional accounting qualifications are advantageous
• Strong experience in financial management, budgeting and forecasting within a complex or regulated organisation
• The ability to work closely with senior stakeholders and influence decision-making
• Experience of implementing or improving financial systems, processes and controls
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to present financial information clearly
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines
• High levels of integrity and discretion when handling confidential information
• A collaborative, resilient and solutions-focused approach

Experience within education, academies or the not-for-profit sector is desirable but not essential.

Working arrangements

The role offers flexible working arrangements, with a mix of on-site and remote working. Travel between sites will be required.

Safeguarding and inclusion

The organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to appropriate safeguarding checks, including enhanced DBS clearance.

For a confidential conversation about the role please get in touch with Megan Hunter