Finance Manager (English and Mandarin Speaking)

A vacancy has arisen within both Abbotsholme and Chase Grammar School for an enthusiastic and motivated finance colleague to join our finance department. The successful candidate will be expected to be committed to both schools, working to a high standard. The Finance Manager will lead financial operations, perform periodical financial reporting to shareholders, and ensure compliance with local regulations. This role requires hands-on expertise in accounting, tax operation, and financial reporting, with a focus on operational excellence in two well-established independent schools in the UK. You will collaborate cross-functionally to streamline workflows, strengthen controls, and deliver accurate financial insights to support business operation.

Duties and Responsibilities

• The Finance Manager holds authority over decisions of income, costs, payroll and investments.
• Monitoring reporting systems, preparing accurate financial reports and statements, interpreting data, preparing and publishing all financial documents, and ensuring adherence to industry regulations. In particular, to produce accurate Management Accounts and financial forecasts.
• Reviewing/Preparing monthly/quarterly/annual financial statements, regulatory filings, and statutory compliance.
• Responsible for the annual financial budget and monthly financial reporting to both school management and shareholders.
• Proactively identifying opportunities and making proposals for operational/financial improvements to support the school achieve annual targets.
• Managing accounting, budget, and cash flow.
• Developing and implementing financial management strategies to reduce financial risk, providing relevant recommendations to maximize profits and assisting executives in decision-making.
• Developing long-term and strategic business plans and organizing new funding strategies.
• Be responsible for the credit control processes at both schools and minimising debtors.
• Planning and controlling OpEx, working capital, CAPEX, and cash flow.

Compliance & Control:

• Reviewing cost-reduction strategies and implementing improvements.
• Improving financial controls and reporting processes to reduce errors and increase efficiency.

Stakeholder Management:

• Conducting monthly reports to the School Board, including the following:
• Executive Summary: A concise overview of the school's financial performance for the month, highlighting key trends and variances.
• Income Statement (Profit & Loss): A summary of revenues, expenses, and net profit/loss for the month and year-to-date, compared to budget and prior year.
• Balance Sheet: A snapshot of the school's assets, liabilities, and equity as of the end of the month.
• Cash Flow Statement: A summary of cash inflows and outflows for the month, categorized by operating, investing, and financing activities.
• Budget Variance Analysis: A detailed explanation of any significant variances between actual results and the budget, identifying the underlying causes and potential corrective actions.
• Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): Tracking of key financial metrics, such as revenue per student, operating margin, and debt-to-equity ratio, compared to benchmarks and targets.
• Financial Risks and Opportunities: Identification and assessment of potential financial risks and opportunities facing the school, along with recommendations for mitigating risks and capitalizing on opportunities.
• Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) Updates: Progress updates on any ongoing capital projects, including budget status, timeline, and key milestones.
• Credit Control: An overview of the school's debt portfolio, including outstanding balances, interest rates, and repayment schedules.
• Managing relationships with external auditors and advisors (e.g., tax, payroll, etc.) for audits, tax filings, and monthly payroll, where applicable.
• Acting as a liaison point between the Chinese shareholder and operational team on the ground.
• Managing, mentoring and leading the finance team to deliver high-quality outputs for two schools and ensure their operation of the accounting system (Quickbooks) is of the highest standard.
• Conducting financial training to improve the financial knowledge of the operational team.

Ad Hoc Projects:

• Taking up ad hoc projects as assigned.

Finance Manager Skills and Qualifications

• 5+ years’ experience in finance/audit/internal control/tax.
• Good understanding of school operations.
• Hold an accounting qualification – AAT / ACCA/ CIMA / CMA.
• Must be fully conversant in all accounting procedures up to Audited and Management accounts.
• Understanding of how to take action and seek solutions.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Analytical skills.
• Ability to work with many other teams or individuals to resolve financial issues.
• Advanced mathematical abilities for compiling and analysing data.
• Attention to detail and in-depth understanding of international and domestic laws and regulations.
• Ability to direct others and delegate tasks.
• Excellent interpersonal skills – friendly, empathetic and approachable.
• Technological skills and ability to work independently.

Hours of Work

Working hours are Monday to Friday - 08:00 to 17:00. During school holidays, your working hours are 09:00 to 16:00. Your annual leave allowance would be 28 days (including Bank Holidays) to be taken during school holidays.

Abbotsholme and Chase Grammar School are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and any offer of employment is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure Check (DBS) and satisfactory references.

Terms and Conditions

• Salary: £45,000 per annum.
• Pension: The School will contribute a percentage of pensionable salary towards a pension scheme.
• School Fees Remission: Any child of a member of staff who, having satisfied the entry requirements, and at the Proprietor’s discretion, is admitted as a student to the School will receive the benefit of the staff discount of 50% remission of the School fees.
• Probation Period: An offer of employment will be subject to a probation period of one year, during which employment will be subject to termination with half a term’s notice on either side.
• Notice Period: Following probation, the Finance Manager will be required to give the School one term’s notice.
• Free Meals: Will be provided throughout the year when the School’s kitchens are open.