Finance Manager

Interim Finance Manager – Immediate Start

Location: Tower Hamlets, East London
Contract: Fixed Term (Immediate Start – January 2027)
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience

A highly successful and well-established secondary school is seeking an experienced Finance Manager to join its business and finance team on a fixed-term basis until January 2027.

This is an excellent opportunity for a knowledgeable school finance professional who can hit the ground running and provide immediate support within a busy educational environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the day-to-day financial operations of the school.

• Monitor budgets, expenditure, and financial forecasting.

• Produce accurate monthly management accounts and financial reports.

• Support budget planning and year-end financial processes.

• Manage purchase orders, invoices, reconciliations, and supplier payments.

• Ensure compliance with financial regulations, audit requirements, and internal controls.

• Liaise with senior leaders and external stakeholders on financial matters.

• Support payroll processes and staffing budget monitoring.

• Assist with procurement and contract management.

Essential Requirements

• Previous experience working as a Finance Manager, School Business Manager, Finance Officer, or similar senior finance role.

• Strong knowledge of school finance procedures and budget management.

• Experience working within an educational setting.

• Excellent Excel and financial reporting skills.

• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.

• Strong attention to detail and organisational skills.

• Available to start immediately or at very short notice.

Desirable

• Experience with school finance systems such as PS Financials, FMS, Access Education, Bromcom, Arbor or similar.

• Knowledge of academy trust or maintained school financial procedures.

What We Are Looking For

We are seeking a proactive, hands-on Finance Manager who can quickly integrate into the team and provide immediate support during a key period for the school. This role would suit someone with significant school finance experience who is confident working independently and delivering results from day one.

This position is subject to an Enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.

Immediate interviews available. Early applications are strongly encouraged.