Finance Manager in Birmingham

About OES

OES partners with world‑class universities to deliver innovative, high‑quality online education that enables learners to thrive globally. We combine academic expertise, cutting‑edge technology, and a student‑first approach to create outstanding learning experiences. With operations across the UK, South Africa, and Australia, OES is a fast‑growing, international business with a strong track record of collaboration and impact. Our teams are ambitious, agile, and values‑driven, united by a belief in the transformative power of education and a commitment to helping universities and students achieve their goals.

Finance Manager – UK Operations

The Finance Manager is responsible for UK finance operations, reporting and compliance, supported by the Finance team in Cape Town, while acting as a strategic partner to UK leadership. The role is hybrid: 2–3 days per week in the Birmingham office and the remainder working from home. It reports to the Finance Director, International based in Cape Town, South Africa.

Key Responsibilities

• Finance Operations – supported by the Finance Operations team in Cape Town, including accounts payable, banking, general ledger, payroll processing, and management of outsourced providers.
• Treasury Management – cash flow management, forecasting and cash collection.
• Process Improvement – identify and implement improvements to key business processes.
• Student Revenue Cycle – liaison with university partners to track outstanding student debt.
• Reporting – provide monthly reporting and analysis on financial performance and KPIs to senior management in the UK, the Finance Director International and the Group Finance team in Australia; explain variances, reforecast performance and produce value‑adding operational reports.
• Compliance – ensure compliance with external obligations (annual returns, VAT returns), maintain knowledge of UK and OES regulatory requirements, develop and document accounting policies and maintain internal controls.
• Forecasting & Commercial Support – support annual budgets, rolling forecasts, provide financial leadership and commercial insight to UK leadership and Group Finance, shape and track business cases for new programmes and growth initiatives, identify and deliver operational improvements.

Essential Attributes

Motivated, adaptable, outcome‑oriented, with strong interpersonal and communication skills. Comfortable working in a hybrid environment and collaborating with finance teams in South Africa and Australia across time zones.

Essential Skills, Experience and Qualifications

• Qualified accountant with experience in finance operations, month‑end reporting, compliance, process improvement and local tax compliance.
• 3+ years as a Post‑Qualified accountant (CIMA, ACA, ACCA or equivalent) with experience across financial and management accounting, tax and audit.
• Proven ability to translate financial performance into strategic insights at a senior level.
• Hands‑on, self‑starter with solutions‑focused attitude and track record.
• Team player with confidence to interact with senior management.
• Exceptional communication skills, ability to thrive in a dynamic environment.
• Experience implementing change in a complex, cross‑border, cross‑cultural or cross‑functional environment.
• Strong understanding of financial control and business performance management.
• Understanding of local compliance obligations, including tax.
• Quick learner able to consume information and make sense of it.
• Experience in the university education sector or B2C sales and marketing is an advantage.

Salary

Up to £60,000 per annum, dependent on experience.

Benefits

• Global organisation focused on growth with lots of opportunities for employees.
• Engaging and vibrant organisational culture.
• 35‑hour working week within a flexible working environment.
• OES values‑driven recruitment principles.
• Career‑life fit – health and wellbeing focus.
• 25 days of annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Purchased leave scheme.
• Respect, honesty and diversity.
• Continuous improvement through challenging and meaningful work.
• Study assistance and leave for eligible employees.
• High growth industry and strong partner/shareholder backing.
• Genuine focus on student success.
• Global mentoring programme.
• Support for the Living the Wage movement.