Finance and Commercial Manager

The Finance and Commercial Manager will play a key role in supporting the financial operations and commercial development of St Bees School. Reporting to the Finance Director, the role requires a hardworking, proactive and highly organised individual with strong attention to detail, capable of balancing operational responsibilities with longer-term process improvement and development work. The successful candidate will work closely with colleagues across the school, helping to ensure efficient financial management, strong administrative standards and continued support for the school’s growth and development. The role combines finance, operations and commercial responsibilities and would suit an individual who enjoys being actively involved in the day-to-day life of a busy and growing school environment.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Day-to-day management of the finance function, including financial records, banking, payroll oversight, VAT, cash resources and financial compliance.
• Management and oversight of accounting processes, including bank reconciliations, accounting journals, deferred income, debtors, creditors and sales ledger activities.
• Monitoring cash flow, forecasting and assisting with short and medium-term financial planning.
• Preparation of management accounts, financial reports, forecasts and supporting information for the Finance Director, Senior Leadership Team and Board.
• Assisting with the preparation, monitoring and management of departmental budgets and annual budget planning.
• Management of school fee billing, payment plans, bursaries and the monitoring and chasing of outstanding invoices and debts.
• Supporting the maintenance of accurate and robust financial records, ensuring data integrity across Sage and other school systems.
• Liaison with auditors, accountants, banks, insurers and statutory bodies as required.
• Management of purchasing processes, supplier relationships, contract renewals and payment authorisation procedures.
• Supporting the annual audit process and year-end financial procedures.
• Driving the commercial development of the school, including the financial oversight and coordination of lettings, events, camps and external partnerships.
• Leading the planning, coordination and on-the-ground delivery of school commercial activities, including summer camps, immersion programmes, lettings and external events.
• Acting as a key operational point of contact for external organisations, camp providers, community groups and commercial partners using the school site.
• Assisting with the day-to-day operational management of commercial events and programmes, ensuring high standards of organisation, communication and customer experience.
• Working flexibly during key commercial periods, particularly across summer programmes and major school events, to support the successful running of activities on site.
• Supporting the financial and operational management of school events, commercial hires and community activities.
• Helping to identify opportunities for improved efficiency, revenue generation and cost savings across the school.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES

• Liaison with teaching and operational staff to support resource requests, purchasing and budget management.
• Supporting budget holders in monitoring and managing departmental expenditure.
• Assisting the Headmaster, Finance Director and Senior Leadership Team with ad hoc financial analysis, reporting and operational information requests.
• Providing financial and administrative support for school events, immersion programmes, commercial activities and external partnerships.
• Supporting the development and improvement of financial systems, procedures and reporting processes as the school continues to grow.
• Maintaining positive professional relationships with parents, suppliers, contractors and external organisations.
• Assisting with wider operational and administrative tasks where required in support of the school’s development.
• Undertaking any other duties reasonably requested by the Headmaster or Finance Director.

Start date: Late May 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.