Finance Manager – Forward-Thinking Secondary School – Guildford, Surrey

Finance Manager Forward-Thinking Secondary School Guildford Surrey

Start Date: As soon as possible
Contract: Full-time Permanent
Salary: Paid to scale

School Information

This is an 11 to 18 well-established Outstanding Ofsted Rated School in Guildford Surrey recognised for its strong academic outcomes and commitment to operational excellence. The school serves a diverse and ambitious community and has built a reputation for delivering high-quality education supported by robust financial and administrative systems.

Students are engaged respectful and motivated to succeed contributing to a calm and purposeful learning environment. The school promotes high expectations alongside a supportive ethos ensuring that all students feel valued and supported.

Staff benefit from a collaborative professional culture where teamwork and shared best practice are central to the schools success. Leadership is highly supportive and places a strong emphasis on staff development and wellbeing.

The school offers a broad curriculum and extensive enrichment opportunities ensuring students develop both academically and personally. Financial planning and resource management are key priorities enabling the school to maintain high standards and invest in future development.

Role Overview

The school is seeking a strategic and highly organised Finance Manager to oversee all aspects of financial management and support long-term planning.

This is a senior role that will involve working closely with the Headteacher and leadership team to ensure financial efficiency compliance and sustainability.

The successful candidate will play a critical role in ensuring that the schools financial resources are used effectively to support student outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

Managing the schools budget forecasting and financial planning
Producing detailed financial reports for senior leadership and governors
Monitoring departmental budgets and expenditure
Ensuring compliance with financial regulations and audit requirements
Managing payroll and staff-related financial processes
Overseeing procurement and supplier relationships
Supporting long-term financial strategy and planning
Managing income streams including grants and funding
Ensuring accurate financial record keeping
Leading on financial audits and reporting processes
Providing financial guidance to senior leaders

The Ideal Candidate

The successful candidate will be analytical detail-oriented and confident managing complex financial systems.

They will demonstrate strong leadership skills and the ability to communicate financial information clearly to non-financial stakeholders.

A proactive and strategic approach will be essential.

Requirements

Relevant financial qualification or equivalent experience
Strong experience in budgeting and financial management
Knowledge of financial regulations and compliance
Excellent analytical and organisational skills
Strong communication skills
Experience with financial systems
School experience desirable but not essential

Application

To apply please send your CV as soon as possible.