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- Tasks: Lead financial operations and support strategic planning in a school environment.
- Company: Join a supportive secondary school in Wakefield with a focus on education.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, flexible temporary role, and professional support from a recruitment agency.
- Other info: Opportunity for career development in a dynamic educational setting.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on financial stability and strategic growth in education.
- Qualifications: 7+ years in finance, strong leadership skills, and relevant qualifications required.
Location: Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Salary: Grade 10 (dependent on experience)
Contract: Temporary
Reporting to: Business Operations Manager
About the Role
Academic Appointments Ltd are working in partnership with a secondary school in Wakefield to recruit an experienced and highly motivated Finance Manager & Deputy Business Manager on a temporary basis. This is a pivotal senior leadership role responsible for overseeing school financial operations while supporting wider business functions. You will play a key role in ensuring financial stability, compliance, budgeting accuracy, and strategic financial planning, working closely with senior leadership teams and key stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the management, monitoring, and reporting of school budgets
- Prepare annual budgets and deliver accurate financial forecasts
- Produce monthly management accounts and strategic financial reports
- Ensure compliance with financial regulations, audit requirements, and Trust policies
- Support and challenge budget holders to ensure effective financial management
- Oversee procurement, payroll, and financial systems
- Lead and manage finance and administrative staff
- Deputise for the Business Operations Manager, supporting HR, estates, and operational services
- Contribute to strategic planning, business cases, and value-for-money initiatives
What We’re Looking For
- Significant experience in a senior finance role (ideally 7+ years)
- Strong knowledge of budget management, financial controls, and forecasting
- Relevant qualification (Level 6 or above), with AAT Level 4 or equivalent desirable
- Excellent leadership and team management skills
- Strong analytical and problem-solving ability
- Experience in education or public sector finance (desirable)
- Ability to communicate complex financial information clearly to non-finance stakeholders
Why Join Us?
- Opportunity to work in a senior leadership capacity within a school environment
- Support from a specialist education recruitment agency
- Competitive rates and flexible temporary engagement
Safeguarding Statement
Academic Appointments Ltd is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All roles are subject to enhanced DBS checks and satisfactory references.
How to Apply
If you are interested in this Finance Manager & Deputy Business Manager placement in Wakefield, please Apply Now or call (phone number removed) and speak to our Secondary team.
Finance Manager in Featherstone employer: Academic Appointments Ltd
Contact Detail:
Academic Appointments Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Manager in Featherstone
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector or finance world. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the school and its financial operations. Show us you understand their needs and how you can contribute to their financial stability and strategic planning.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain your experience in budget management and compliance clearly. We want to see how you can communicate complex financial info to non-finance folks.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re here to support you every step of the way!
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Manager in Featherstone
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Finance Manager role. Highlight your experience in budget management and financial forecasting, as these are key responsibilities. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention your leadership experience and how you can contribute to our school’s financial stability. Keep it engaging and relevant!
Showcase Relevant Experience: When filling out your application, be sure to showcase any relevant experience, especially in education or public sector finance. We love seeing candidates who understand the unique challenges of our environment!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Academic Appointments Ltd
✨Know Your Numbers
Make sure you brush up on your financial knowledge, especially around budgeting and forecasting. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past experience where you've successfully managed budgets or improved financial processes.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
As a Finance Manager, you'll be leading a team. Prepare to share instances where you've effectively managed staff or collaborated with other departments. Highlight your ability to communicate complex financial information clearly to non-finance stakeholders.
✨Understand the Education Sector
Familiarise yourself with the unique financial challenges faced by schools and the public sector. Research current trends in education finance and be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to strategic planning and compliance within this context.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the school's financial operations, their expectations for the role, and how you can support their goals. This shows your genuine interest and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.