Finance Manager

Please apply by downloading an application form from The Purcell School website and submit with your supporting statement. CVs will not be accepted.

For full details and an application form, please visit

CVs will not be accepted.

If you would like to have an informal telephone conversation with the Bursar in advance of making an application, please contact Emma Abrahamson at to make an appointment.

Closing date – 9am on Monday 27th January 2025, first interviews during week of 3rd February 2025.

This is a full-time, permanent role to start in April 2025.

After over 28 years of dedicated service, our current Finance Manager is retiring, presenting an exciting and unique opportunity to manage the financial operations at The Purcell School. This important role combines a high level of autonomy with the opportunity to work in close collaboration with many staff, parents and students, providing a dynamic and varied work environment.

As Finance Manager, you will take ownership of the School’s financial processes, ensuring the effective management of resources and compliance with all regulatory requirements. You will be responsible for preparing accurate financial reports, overseeing budgets, cash flow forecasts and audits and contributing to strategic financial planning. This role demands a high level of technical expertise in financial management, including experience with accounts payable, management accounts, financial forecasting and audit coordination.

However, this is more than just a technical role. At The Purcell School, we take pride in our strong sense of community where music and our students are at the heart of everything we do. You will be expected to engage with staff, students and parents regularly, attending auditions and open days and supporting the Music and Dance Scheme (MDS) which provides vital support to our students.

The ideal candidate will combine extensive financial expertise with the ability to be approachable, empathetic and student-focused. You will play a critical role in supporting the School’s mission by ensuring sound financial management while contributing to an environment where both students and staff thrive.

This is an exceptional opportunity to join a school with a rich history and culture. If you are looking for a role which offers you the opportunity to apply your financial expertise within a rewarding and collaborative environment, we encourage you to explore this opportunity further.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Hours of work- 37.5 hours per week, 52 weeks of the year. 30 days holiday plus Bank Holidays and the period between Christmas Day and New Year.

Competitive salary according to the successful candidate’s experience with a contributory pension scheme.

Children of staff are not eligible to be educated at the School except through the normal admissions and audition process.

Lunch can be taken free of charge at school during term time.

JOB SPECIFICATION

The Purcell School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

JOB TITLE: Finance Manager

All members of staff are ultimately answerable to the Principal. Your line manager will be the Bursar.

Specific responsibilities are as follows:

Main Purpose

The Finance Manager is responsible for management of the School’s financial operations, ensuring efficient resource use and compliance with regulatory requirements. This role involves managing day-to-day financial processes, maintaining strong financial controls and producing accurate financial reports. Collaborating closely with the Bursar, the Finance Manager will also contribute to strategic financial planning, providing insights and recommendations to ensure the School’s long-term financial sustainability.

Music and Dance Scheme (MDS)

• Administer the MDS, oversee billing, reimbursements, grant reconciliations and compliance with funding agreements.
• Guide parents from auditions to school departure and liaise with the Department for Education (DfE) on all MDS-related matters, including reporting, audits and parental assessments.

Management Accounts

• Prepare monthly accounts aligned with the SoFA framework and highlight variances and concerns.
• Draft termly reports for governors (together with the Bursar), conduct all reconciliations and maintain accurate financial records.
• Develop cash flow forecasts and deliver ad hoc reports to support operational and strategic planning.

Accounts and Audit

• Coordinate audits, prepare annual statements and address audit findings promptly.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory standards and manage statutory returns for Companies House and the Charity Commission.
• Budget and Debt Control
• Lead debt management and address any arrears sensitively.
• Assist in setting budgets, monitor expenditure and provide updates to staff and budget holders.

Financial Forecasting (together with the Bursar)

• Draft rolling multi-year financial projections, including scenario analyses for payroll, income and expenditure.
• Align forecasts with fundraising data, strategic goals and policy changes to ensure financial sustainability and going concern.
• Accounts Payable
• Supervise finance assistants and oversee purchase orders, invoices, BACS payments and VAT returns and ensure accuracy and compliance.

Other Responsibilities

• Support open days and payroll-related financial tasks.
• Perform additional duties as required.

For all staff:

• To promote the aims and values of the School and to support and protect the interests of students.
• To support colleagues in their work.
• To ensure the smooth running of the School and the well-being of the School community.
• To act in accordance with the current legal requirements, school policies and guidance on the safeguarding of children and young people.
• To undertake such administrative and supervisory duties as may be required.
• To follow the procedures and policies set out in the Staff Handbook.
• To promote equality by actively protecting staff and students from discrimination.
• To comply with current Health and Safety regulations and best practice.

The Purcell School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. All applicants should read the School’s Child Protection policy, which is available on our website, and are required to declare any criminal convictions or cautions, or disciplinary proceedings related to young people. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including records checked and processed through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

The Purcell School is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes application from appropriately qualified people regardless of gender, marital status, sexual orientation, race, ethnic origin, colour, nationality, religion, disability or age. Candidates will be assessed against relevant criteria only (i.e. skills, qualifications, abilities, experience) in selection and recruitment.