At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage financial operations and reporting for a prestigious independent school.
- Company: Brighton College, a top-tier independent school with a rich history.
- Benefits: Comprehensive benefits including pension scheme, healthcare, travel discounts, and wellness classes.
- Other info: Opportunities for career progression in a supportive and inclusive environment.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic community and make a real impact in education finance.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in financial reporting, strong analytical skills, and advanced Excel proficiency.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 € per year.
We ensure you're rewarded for all your hard work, which is why we offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes but is not limited to:
- Contributory pension scheme
- Grow your career with our Career Pathways and MyLearning programmes
- Quick access for you and your immediate family to a Digital GP, and wider healthcare benefits
- Exclusive travel discounts with TUI, Expedia, Booking.com and many more
- Save money on your food shop with discounts on Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons and many more
- Up to 44% off cinema tickets to enjoy your favourite blockbuster
- Receive cash rewards every time you spend and use them on a wide range of brands
- Un-wind with us with free wellness, mindfulness and exercise classes
- You can share all discounts and offers with your friends and families
Brighton College is one of the UK’s most prestigious and forward-thinking independent schools and has been recognised nationally as School of the Decade. Founded in 1845, the College has built an outstanding reputation for academic excellence, pastoral care, innovation and an unapologetically ambitious approach to education. The College educates pupils from ages 3 to 18 and operates as a large, dynamic community, combining day and boarding provision. It has consistently ranked at the top of national league tables and is widely regarded as a benchmark for best practice across the independent education sector.
About the Role
We are recruiting a dedicated Finance Manager to support the smooth operation of one of our school contracts. This is a full-time, permanent position (40 hours per week, Monday to Friday). 0830 – 17:00. In this role, you will be responsible for maintaining high standards of financial management and reporting. You’ll join a company that invests in its people, values individuality, and offers excellent opportunities for career progression.
Key Responsibilities
- Monitor original bid costs versus actual performance by site and service line, including analysis of core and reactive variations
- Analyse workbook submissions and ensure accuracy of financial data
- Produce timely and accurate reports for the client as required
- Manage and track change controls for service variations, identifying where ad hoc services should be incorporated into core costs
- Ensure workbooks and associated invoices are raised promptly
- Maintain effective stock control processes
- Work collaboratively with Lodestone House and the client to ensure compliance with accounting standards
- Build and enhance monthly management information (MI) and improve reporting quality
- Provide financial insights to the client’s senior leadership team to support performance monitoring
- Carry out routine monthly data checks and analysis
- Drive continuous improvement in financial processes
About You
Skills & Experience
- Experience in budgeting, financial reporting, and accounting systems
- Strong analytical and numerical skills with excellent attention to detail
- Advanced Excel and spreadsheet capability
- Ability to analyse, evaluate, and present financial information clearly
- Experience preparing financial statements, budgets, forecasts, and cash flow projections
- Confident producing and presenting reports to stakeholders
- Commercial finance experience with a track record of adding value and improving results
- Strong organisational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritise effectively
- Experience working collaboratively with internal teams and building strong client relationships
- Proactive, self-motivated, and able to work under pressure to meet deadlines
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Technical & Industry Experience
- Minimum of 5 years’ experience in financial reporting, revenue control, or similar roles
- Experience in foodservice or retail environments
- Familiarity with POS, cash, and card reporting
- Good working knowledge of SAP (desirable)
- Proficient in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel
Qualifications
- Degree in Accounting (preferred) or equivalent professional experience
Additional Requirements
- Experience working in multi-site or multi-contract environments (desirable)
- Team management experience (desirable)
- High standards of integrity and ethical behaviour
- Flexibility to travel to operational sites
- IT literate
Equity and Diversity Statement
Compass Group UK&I is committed to fostering an environment where every individual can truly be themselves at work and has equal opportunities to advance in their careers. We strive to build a culture that respects and celebrates the unique talents, beliefs, backgrounds, and abilities of all our team members. We want our colleagues to feel valued, empowered to reach their full potential, and to thrive - because diversity is our strength!
Finance Manager - Brighton College employer: Chartwells Independent
Brighton College is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and professional growth of its staff. With a comprehensive benefits package, including a contributory pension scheme, access to healthcare, and exclusive discounts, employees are well-supported both personally and professionally. The College fosters a dynamic work culture that values individuality and offers clear pathways for career advancement, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in the education sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Manager - Brighton College
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Brighton College on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info and might just put your name on the hiring manager's radar.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by practising common finance-related questions. We can even role-play with a friend to boost our confidence. Remember, showing off our analytical skills and attention to detail is key!
✨Tip Number 3
Dress to impress! First impressions matter, so let’s make sure we look sharp and professional for the interview. It shows we’re serious about the Finance Manager role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after the interview! A quick thank-you email can keep us fresh in their minds. Plus, it shows our enthusiasm for the position. Let’s make it happen through our website!
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Manager - Brighton College
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Finance Manager role. Highlight your budgeting, financial reporting, and analytical skills that match what we're looking for. We want to see how your experience aligns with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role at Brighton College and how you can contribute to our team. Keep it concise but impactful – we love a good story!
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use numbers and examples to demonstrate how you've added value in previous roles. We’re all about results, so let us see yours!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s quick and easy, and you'll be one step closer to joining our fantastic team at Brighton College!
How to prepare for a job interview at Chartwells Independent
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Finance Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your strong analytical skills. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive decisions in previous roles. This shows you can not only crunch numbers but also interpret them effectively.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work that highlight your experience in budgeting, financial reporting, and managing client relationships. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, making it easier for interviewers to see your impact.
✨Familiarise Yourself with the Company
Research Brighton College and its financial operations. Understand their values and how they align with your own. Being able to speak about the college's reputation and your enthusiasm for contributing to its success will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the role, team dynamics, and the company's approach to financial management. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.
