Sherborne Schools Group is seeking an experienced and motivated finance professional to join our Finance team. This is an exciting opportunity to take responsibility for the day to day financial management of the Group’s subsidiaries, playing a key role in financial reporting, budgeting, statutory accounts and compliance. Working closely with the Assistant Finance Director and colleagues across the Group, you will provide accurate financial information and insightful analysis to support informed decision making and the continued success of our schools.
The successful candidate will have strong accounting and financial reporting experience, excellent attention to detail and the ability to build positive working relationships with a wide range of stakeholders. As well as overseeing monthly and year end processes, you will contribute to audit preparation, budget monitoring, financial controls and continuous improvement initiatives. This varied and rewarding role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to a respected and ambitious educational organisation, while developing your career within a collaborative and supportive finance function.
Core Responsibilities
Subsidiary Management and Statutory Accounts
- Take day-to-day responsibility for the financial management of the Group’s subsidiaries.
- Prepare periodic management accounts and supporting schedules including variance analysis and commentary.
- Produce year-end statutory accounts and working papers in accordance with accounting standards.
- Act as the primary finance contact for managers, providing timely financial advice and responding to queries.
- Prepare information and responses to queries relating to the external audit of the Group.
Budget Reporting
- Prepare and issue regular budget monitoring reports to budget holders.
- Investigate and resolve variances against budget and prior periods, working with budget holders to ensure understanding and appropriate corrective action.
- Support budget planning processes by providing accurate historical data and analysis including providing analysis and insights for ‘budget versus actuals’ reporting.
- Ensure accounting data is complete, accurate and reconciled on a timely basis.
Financial Operations and Accounting Records
- Maintain the subsidiary nominal ledgers, ensuring they remain accurately configured and aligned to the Group’s reporting requirements.
- Manage intercompany invoicing and complete monthly reconciliations.
- Lead the month-end closure for the Group’s subsidiaries
- Maintain accurate accounting records for the Group, including:
- Processing transactions
- Preparing and posting journals as required
- Completing monthly reconciliations and maintaining control accounts
- Maintaining the fixed asset registers
- Collating information relating to movements in funds; and
- Producing cash flow forecasts.
- Complete VAT return workings for the Group for review by the Assistant Finance Director.
- Complete workings for other external financial and regulatory reporting requirements.
Audit, Compliance and Controls
- Support the maintenance of strong financial controls and compliance with Group’s financial policies and procedures.
- Prepare audit evidence and schedules to support Group and subsidiary audits.
- Ensure subsidiary accounting activities comply with statutory, regulatory and tax requirements.
Team Support, Resilience and Development
- Provide operational support to the Group Finance Director and all Assistant Finance Directors to ensure the smooth and efficient running of the Finance function.
- Deputise for the Assistant Finance Director and functional Team Leads as required, ensuring continuity of service during absences.
- Support staff training and development by sharing knowledge, documenting processes and contributing to team resilience.
- Identify opportunities to improve systems, processes and ways of working, contributing to continuous improvement across Finance.
Sherborne Schools Group Recruitment and Selection Policy Statement
Sherborne Schools Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Applicants for this post must be willing to undergo child protection screening, including reference checks with previous employers and a criminal record check with the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Pay: £30,000.00-£33,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company events
- Company pension
- Cycle to work scheme
- Discounted or free food
- Free fitness classes
- Free flu jabs
- Free parking
- Health & wellbeing programme
- On-site parking
- Sick pay
Work Location: In person
