Finance Manager in Reading

A role where you can innovate and make a real impact!

About Reading Students’ Union

We are a dynamic, student-focused organisation dedicated to empowering students and enhancing their university experience. Our vision is to be a place for everyone; we inspire and empower students to change the world.

The Role:

As Finance Manager, you will be at the heart of Reading Students’ Union’s Finance team, providing senior operational leadership and expert financial support to ensure the Union operates efficiently, transparently, and in line with its charitable purpose, values, and legal obligations. You will be the trusted expert on the Union’s finances. You will be overseeing management accounts, statutory accounts, payroll, and financial systems and will be a key business partner to senior leaders, budget holders, and elected student officers. Working closely with the Director of Finance, you will help build a strong culture of effective financial management across both charitable and commercial activities, ensuring financial decisions always reflect our mission, vision, values, and ethics. You will be the line‑manager of the Finance team, drive continuous improvement, support strategic delivery, and confidently deputise for the Director of Finance when required.

What you’ll do

• Financial Reporting & Data-Driven Insight: Ensure the accuracy and timeliness of all key financial reports to support informed decision-making. Prepare monthly management accounts and annual final accounts. Design, maintain, and analyse KPI reports to monitor financial health and operational efficiency. Respond promptly and accurately to requests for financial data and insights, including Board reports.
• Financial Planning & Business Partnering: Collaborate with the Director of Finance to develop and implement long-term financial planning aligned with strategic objectives. Act as a trusted partner for commercial strategy, providing insights on income generation and subsidiary operations. Support annual budgeting and reforecasting processes, ensuring robust financial oversight.
• Operational Finance Management: Oversee day-to-day financial operations, including invoice processing, payment runs, journal preparation, and reconciliations. Manage cash flow and reserves to ensure financial stability. Maintain aged debtor and creditor records and reconcile balance sheet accounts (prepayments, accruals, PAYE, NIC, payroll control).
• Systems, Controls & Compliance: Control the operation of the SU’s accounting system and ensure completion of month-end and year-end procedures. Oversee payroll processing, ensuring accuracy and timeliness. Develop and maintain accessible financial procedures aligned with best practice and audit recommendations. Ensure compliance with financial legislation, governance frameworks, and statutory reporting requirements (VAT returns, Charity Commission, Companies House, HMRC).
• Risk, Governance & Assurance: Maintain an accurate and live risk register in collaboration with the Director of Finance. Implement robust internal financial controls across the organisation. Support the Finance & Risk Committee and ensure adequate insurance coverage and asset management. Work confidently within governance frameworks, providing assurance to senior leaders and Trustees.
• Leadership & Collaboration: Line-manage the Finance team, fostering a culture of accountability and high performance. Provide training and guidance on financial processes and best practices. Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders and external partners, including auditors and insurers.

About You

• Essential: AAT qualified or part‑qualified accountant (or willing to work towards). Significant experience as a Finance Manager or in a senior finance role. Organised, adaptable, and able to manage competing priorities in a busy and fast‑paced environment. Excellent communicator, confident in explaining financial information to non‑finance colleagues. Strong numerical, analytical, and problem‑solving skills. Confident people manager with the ability to coach, mentor, and develop others. Passionate about using financial insight to support effective decision‑making. Evidence of ongoing CPD or professional development.
• Proven Experience in: Producing monthly management accounts, budgets, forecasts, and cash flow reports. Managing day‑to‑day finance operations, including invoicing, payments, reconciliations, and payroll. Business partnering with budget holders and senior leaders. Leading the development of financial processes and controls to strengthen governance, efficiency, and effectiveness. Working within governance frameworks and applying good financial controls. Building strong relationships with internal stakeholders and external partners.
• Desirable: Experience working in a charity, education, or student-focused environment. Knowledge of charity VAT requirements and governance frameworks. Experience supporting Boards, Trustees, or Finance & Risk Committees. Knowledge of EPOS, stock control, or electronic payment systems.

Why Join Us?

• Inclusive and supportive team culture
• Flexible working options
• 35 days annual leave including Christmas and Easter closure days
• Professional development opportunities
• Unique working environment in the heart of a vibrant Student’s Union, set on a stunning, green campus.

Ready to make bold change happen? Ready to lead the way? Join us and help shape the future of student life at Reading Students’ Union. Committed to equality, celebrating diversity, and embedding sustainability—building an inclusive workplace and a brighter future for all.