Finance Manager - Progressive Secondary School - Reading,...

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 11–18 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 school’s financial resources are managed effectively in order to support student learning and school development.

Key Responsibilities

• Managing the school’s 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 school’s 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 .