Finance Manager – Progressive Secondary School – Reading, Berkshire

Finance Manager Progressive Secondary School Reading Berkshire

Start Date: As soon as possible
Contract: Full-time Permanent
Salary: Competitive and dependent on experience

School Information

This is an 1118 well-established Outstanding Ofsted rated secondary school located in Reading Berkshire recognised for its commitment to excellence in both academic achievement and operational management.

The school serves a large and diverse community and is widely respected for maintaining high standards across teaching learning and administration. Students demonstrate strong engagement in their studies and benefit from a calm well-structured learning environment.

Staff collaborate effectively across departments ensuring that both academic and operational functions of the school run efficiently. Leadership prioritises continuous improvement and innovation while ensuring that students remain at the centre of decision-making.

The school offers a broad and balanced curriculum alongside a wide range of extracurricular opportunities. These activities help students develop confidence creativity and leadership skills.

Staff benefit from a supportive professional culture where training and development opportunities are encouraged. The leadership team recognises the importance of strong operational leadership to ensure the school continues to deliver high-quality education and support services.

Role Overview

The school is seeking an experienced and strategic Finance Manager to oversee the financial management of the school and support long-term financial planning.

This is a senior operational role that requires strong financial expertise attention to detail and the ability to work closely with the senior leadership team. The Finance Manager will ensure that financial processes are efficient transparent and compliant with relevant regulations.

The successful candidate will play a vital role in ensuring the schools financial resources are managed effectively in order to support student learning and school development.

Key Responsibilities

Managing the schools financial operations including budgeting forecasting and reporting
Preparing monthly financial reports for the senior leadership team and governors
Monitoring expenditure and ensuring budgets are managed effectively across departments
Supporting long-term financial planning and resource allocation
Managing financial systems and ensuring accurate record keeping
Overseeing payroll processes and ensuring staff payments are processed correctly
Managing procurement processes and supplier relationships
Ensuring compliance with financial regulations and audit requirements
Supporting the preparation of annual financial statements and external audits
Providing financial guidance to department leaders and senior staff
Monitoring income streams including grants and funding allocations
Identifying opportunities for cost efficiency and financial improvement

The Ideal Candidate

The successful candidate will have strong financial management experience and the ability to work strategically within an educational setting.

They will be highly organised analytical and capable of managing complex financial information while communicating clearly with staff and leadership teams.

Strong problem-solving skills and a proactive approach will be essential in supporting the schools operational and financial success.

Requirements

Relevant financial qualification or equivalent professional experience
Experience managing budgets and financial reporting
Strong knowledge of financial regulations and compliance procedures
Excellent analytical and organisational skills
Experience using financial management software
Strong communication skills with the ability to explain financial information clearly
Ability to work collaboratively with senior leaders and staff
Experience working in a school or educational environment is desirable

Staff Benefits

Staff benefit from a supportive and professional working environment where collaboration and professional development are encouraged.

Benefits include:

Access to professional training and leadership development
Supportive senior leadership team
Well-resourced working environment
Opportunities to contribute to strategic school development
Inclusive and collaborative staff culture

Application

To apply please send your CV as soon as possible.