We are seeking to appoint a highly organised and detail-oriented Finance Manager to lead the day-to-day operational management of the school’s finance function.

Working under the strategic direction of the School Business Manager (SBM), you will take responsibility for ensuring that financial processes are delivered accurately, efficiently and in full compliance with regulatory and audit requirements.  You will act as the key operational link between the finance team, senior leadership and external partners.

This is a pivotal role within the school, combining hands-on oversight of financial operations with responsibility for maintaining robust financial controls, supporting effective decision-making and ensuring strong financial governance.

The school operates an in-house payroll function, and you will play a key role in overseeing payroll processes.  This includes reviewing payroll changes, validating reports and ensuring appropriate authorisation and compliance, while maintaining clear separation between payroll processing and approval.

Key Responsibilities

You will lead the day-to-day operation of the finance function, ensuring that income, expenditure, reconciliations and payroll-related transactions are processed accurately and on time.  A core part of the role is to maintain and strengthen financial controls, ensuring that all activity is compliant with financial regulations, internal procedures and audit expectations.

Working closely with the SBM, you will support budget setting, forecasting and financial planning, producing high-quality management accounts and analysis to inform decision-making.  You will monitor financial performance, identify risks or anomalies, and ensure that appropriate action is taken.

You will also take responsibility for overseeing the school’s in-house payroll processes at an operational level.  This includes reviewing payroll reports, ensuring that changes are accurate and appropriately authorised, and providing assurance prior to final sign-off.  While the Finance Officer will undertake payroll processing, you will ensure robust checking, validation and compliance.

The role includes line management of finance staff, providing clear direction, support and oversight to ensure consistency, accuracy and continuity of service.  You will allocate workloads, develop staff capability and promote best practice across the function.

In addition, you will play a key role in audit and compliance, acting as the main point of contact for auditors and external finance advisors, and ensuring that all financial records, systems and documentation are maintained to a high standard.

About You

We are looking for a finance professional with a recognised qualification or equivalent experience, and a strong background in financial operations ideally within a complex organisation.

You will have a thorough understanding of financial controls, compliance and audit processes, along with experience of budget monitoring and financial reporting.  You will be confident in reviewing and interpreting financial information, and able to challenge and support others constructively.

Strong organisational and analytical skills are essential, along with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.  You will be able to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines, while maintaining a consistent and professional approach.

You will also be an effective communicator, able to explain financial information clearly to non-finance colleagues, and to work collaboratively with managers and senior leaders.

Experience of supervising or supporting staff is important, as is the ability to maintain confidentiality and professional integrity at all times.

Experience within a school, academy or public sector setting, and familiarity with school funding or local authority systems, would be advantageous but is not essential.

What we offer:

• Generous pension scheme & life cover
• Staff well-being sessions and support
• Retail discounts and subsidised meals
• Free on-site parking and refreshments

Why Join Us

This is an excellent opportunity to take on a key operational leadership role within a supportive and collaborative school environment.  You will have the opportunity to influence financial practice, strengthen systems and processes, and contribute directly to the effective running of the school.

We will be reviewing applications as they are submitted, therefore we strongly recommend applying early. Please be aware that the advert may close before the specified date depending on the number of applications received.

Valence School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of every student and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment.  We value diversity and promote equality for all. For shortlisted candidates references will be taken up before interview and online checks undertaken.  The successful applicant will require an enhanced DBS check (this post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act)