Finance Manager

Your new company
Finance Manager12-Month Fixed-Term Contract at Education Organisation. Birmingham City Centre £36,000- £41,000 (can go up to £45,000 dependent on experience)
Full-Time, 37.5 Hours per Week
Office-Based (5 Days per Week)
24 Days Annual Leave + Bank Holidays
Generous Public Sector Pension Scheme (15% Employer Contribution)
An established and growing education organisation based in central Birmingham is seeking an experienced Finance Manager to join its central finance team on a 12-month fixed-term contract to provide maternity cover.
Reporting directly to the Chief Finance Officer, this is a broad and hands-on role with responsibility for supporting the financial management of multiple sites. The successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring the effective day-to-day operation of the finance function, whilst maintaining strong financial controls, compliance and reporting standards.
This opportunity would suit an experienced Finance Manager, Management Accountant or Senior Finance professional who enjoys a varied role spanning financial reporting, payroll oversight, audit, compliance and team leadership.
Candidates with education sector experience are highly desirable; however, applications are also welcomed from individuals with strong finance backgrounds gained within other regulated environments.
Your new role
Financial Management & Reporting

Support the production of monthly management accounts and financial reporting.
Prepare and process month-end and year-end journals including accruals, prepayments, depreciation and deferred income.
Complete monthly balance sheet reconciliations and maintain effective financial controls.
Maintain and reconcile the fixed asset register and calculate depreciation.
Support budget monitoring and variance analysis.
Payroll, Pensions & Compliance

Oversee monthly payroll processes and associated controls.
Complete pension returns and submissions to relevant pension schemes.
Prepare and submit VAT returns in line with statutory requirements.
Monitor cash balances and banking activity.
Ensure compliance with relevant financial regulations, policies and reporting requirements.
Audit & Governance

Support internal and external audit processes.
Prepare year-end working papers and supporting documentation.
Assist with annual statutory and regulatory returns.
Help maintain robust controls and support fraud prevention measures.
Operational Finance

Oversee purchase ledger and sales ledger activities.
Monitor supplier payments and aged creditors.
Manage payment runs including BACS and cashbook transactions.
Review outstanding purchase orders and commitments.
Reconcile financial information across multiple systems.
Support grant reporting and funding administration.Leadership

Supervise and support members of the finance team.
Assist in maintaining efficient and effective finance processes.
Build strong relationships with stakeholders across the organisation.
What you'll need to succeed

Experience preparing month-end journals, accruals and prepayments.
Strong balance sheet reconciliation experience.
Exposure to management accounts and financial reporting.
Experience overseeing transactional finance processes.
Strong attention to detail and financial control awareness.
Excellent organisational and communication skills.
Ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.
Experience supervising or supporting finance staff.
Strong Excel and finance systems skills.
Education, academy, college or multi-site organisation experience.
Experience supporting audits and year-end processes.
Payroll and pension administration oversight.
Public sector, charity or not-for-profit finance experience.
Experience with financial reporting and compliance within a regulated environment.What you'll get in return

Competitive salary of up to £45,000 for the right candidate.
Direct exposure to senior leadership and the Chief Finance Officer.
A broad and varied finance role with significant responsibility.
Excellent pension provision with a 15% employer contribution.
Birmingham City Centre location with strong transport links.
Opportunity to make a meaningful impact within a purpose-driven organisation.What you need to do now

If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.
If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.

Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at (url removed)