Finance Manager at Bradfield Consulting

Reporting to: The Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Sector: Education

Accommodation Provided

Job Overview:

The Finance Manager will support the CFO in the strategic and operational management of the school’s finances, ensuring financial sustainability, regulatory compliance, effective internal controls, and the provision of timely and accurate financial information for decision-making. 

The role is responsible for financial reporting, budgeting, cash flow management, statutory compliance, audit coordination, financial planning, treasury management, fee income monitoring, asset management, and the continuous improvement of financial processes and controls.

The Finance Manager will also provide leadership to the Finance team and support the School\'s long-term strategic objectives. 

Key Responsibilities 

Financial Planning & Budget Management 

• Coordinate annual budgeting, forecasting and reforecasting processes. 
• Consolidate departmental budgets into the school master budget. 
• Monitor budget performance and provide variance analysis and recommendations. 
• Support long-term financial planning aligned with strategic priorities. 

Financial Reporting 

• Prepare monthly, quarterly and annual management accounts.
• Produce management reports, dashboards and financial analyses for leadership.
• Ensure timely and accurate financial reporting and compliance with accounting standards. 

Treasury & Cash Flow Management 

• Prepare rolling cash flow forecasts. 
• Monitor liquidity requirements and manage banking relationships. 
• Support investment and reserve fund monitoring where applicable.

Revenue & Fees Management 

• Oversee reconciliation and monitoring of tuition, boarding and ancillary income. 
• Monitor outstanding fees and support debtor management processes.
• Prepare fee collection and revenue forecast reports. 

Ledger, Fixed Assets & Inventory 

• Maintain general ledger integrity and reconciliations.
• Maintain a comprehensive fixed asset register. 
• Coordinate inventory counts and asset verification exercises. 
• Prepare depreciation schedules and audit-ready asset reports. 

Audit, Risk & Internal Controls 

• Coordinate statutory and internal audits. 
• Maintain effective internal control frameworks. 
• Manage audit queries and implement audit recommendations. 
• Conduct periodic financial risk assessments and mitigation activities. 

Tax & Statutory Compliance 

• Administer PAYE, WHT, pensions and other statutory obligations. 
• Prepare annual returns and liaise with relevant authorities. 
• Support tax reviews, objections and compliance activities. 

Procurement & Vendor Management 

• Review procurement controls and ensure value for money. 
• Monitor supplier performance and payment schedules. 
• Support contract reviews and vendor negotiations. 

People Leadership 

• Supervise, develop and coach Finance team members. 
• Conduct performance reviews and support capability development. 
• Promote accountability, service excellence and continuous improvement. 

Systems & Process Improvement 

• Drive automation and finance process improvements. 
• Support ERP/accounting system optimisation and upgrades. 
• Ensure financial data integrity and reporting efficiency. 

Qualification:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related discipline. 
• ICAN, ACCA or equivalent professional qualification required. 
• 7–10 years progressive finance experience, with at least 3 years in a supervisory role. 
• Experience in budgeting, treasury, financial reporting, audit and internal controls. 
• Experience with ERP/accounting systems and advanced Microsoft Excel skills. 
• Prior experience within an educational institution or service-based organisation is desirable. 
• Strong analytical, communication and stakeholder management skills. 
• High integrity, discretion and professional ethics. 
• School-Specific Expectations Support Board and Finance Committee reporting requirements. 
• Monitor financial implications of enrolment trends and student growth. 
• Provide oversight of scholarship and bursary accounting. 
• Support financial governance of boarding operations and capital projects.