FINANCE MANAGER | FULL TIME, PERMANENTSalary - £55,000-£60,000 per annumClosing Date - 28th March 2025Job PurposeThe post holder will lead on all aspects of financial management within the School, including the provision of financial reporting and analysis to support decision making by senior management and the Board. Accountable ToBusiness DirectorPackage DescriptionCompetitive remuneration and benefits package including:-Reduced school fees and wraparound care at St George’s SchoolPension ContributionStaff lunchesAccess to school buses on school bus routes for all staff (small charge payable) Professional learning and development opportunitiesEmployee Assistance ProgrammeGenerous annual leave entitlementCycle-to-work schemeOpportunity to benefit from the use of the many school facilities; libraries; sports facilities etcDeath in service benefits all staffOpportunity to join our community and contribute to social, music, drama and other events and activities.Main ResponsibilitiesKey ResponsibilitiesTeam Management:• Lead, manage and develop the Finance team, enabling them to carry out their duties effectively and deliver strategic support to School priorities, initiatives and projects.• Assist in the recruitment, training and appraisal of new team members as required.Strategic Financial Management and Development:• Support the Business Director in the development of the financial strategy for the School, building and maintaining effective long-term financial models through detailed scenario planning and analysis.• Undertake regular benchmarking of all aspects of School finances, providing appropriate analysis and advice.• Contribute to the assessment and implementation of new processes and controls to increase the accessibility and accuracy of financial data, to improve efficiency and to manage financial risk.• Implement improvements and new developments to the accounting software to ensure it is providing the best support possible.• Work with colleagues to maximise alternative income streams.• Prepare annual budgets and regular reforecasts.• Prepare annual statutory accounts and manage the year-end audit, including implementing any audit recommendations.• Prepare information for the quarterly Finance Committee meetings and attend to present reports as required.• Prepare information for financial surveys and benchmarking.Operational Financial Management:• Produce timely monthly management accounts, management information, KPI monitoring and analysis of variations to budget/target.• Develop regular cashflow reporting and manage cash to ensure effective cashflow and that interest income is maximised.• Monitor and reconcile the fixed asset register and investment portfolio.• Complete VAT and other tax returns.• Oversee the team to ensure that fee billing, credit control, purchase ledger and payroll functions are operating in line with best practice.• Provide support and oversight to the Uniform Exchange.• Assist colleagues across the School with budget management and general finance queries.Payroll:• Review and approve monthly payroll.• Assist HR with administration of pensions and the staff benefits package.• Ensure policies are in place to comply with employment tax legislation.• Complete P11D returns.Contract Management:• Assist with supplier and contract negotiations, ensuring value for money.• Review leasing arrangements and ensure these are properly managed.• Manage the School’s relationships with the bank, auditors, investment manager and statutory bodies.• Manage the School’s insurance arrangements, liaising with brokers and insurers as necessary.• Oversee procurement of suppliers across the School and identify cost savings where possible.The post holder will be expected to carry out such other duties as reasonably correspond to the general character of the post and are commensurate with its level of responsibility.The Ideal CandidateMore information, including Person Specification, can be found in the attached Job Pack.About the school/organisationAs Edinburgh’s only all-through independent school for girls aged 3-18, St George's is a place of possibilities: where everyone is clearly heard; pupils feel empowered to be themselves; and innovation is constantly encouraged. The courage of our founding mothers, who pioneered women’s education in Victorian Scotland, still echoes defiantly through our corridors. That’s why amplifying the voice of every girl remains part of our DNA today as a loyal school community with a unique spirit of pride. Over 90% of our girls achieve their first-choice post-school destination: leaving us as robust, empathetic change-makers, ready to take on the world…
