JOB OVERVIEW

The position of Finance Manager is pivotal within the Nursery and School, providing comprehensive financial and accounting support, from setting policy and managing resources to overseeing all aspects of financial administration and delivery. You will need to have a deep understanding of financial management, budgeting and accounting principles, as well as the ability to communicate effectively with the Board of Trustees and other and external agencies. Day to day, you’ll play a key role in shaping our financial strategy by working closely with the Trustees, Headmaster and Senior Leadership Team.

This is a demanding post, so the Finance Manager will need to be an experienced and dynamic finance professional seeking a rewarding role where their expertise can truly make a difference.

Proficiency in monthly management accounting, budgeting, financial forecasting and cash flow monitoring will also be essential. It is desirable that you have experience beyond technical skills, we’re looking for someone who excels at stakeholder liaison. Thriving in a fast-paced environment demands strong multitasking abilities, composure under pressure and exceptional organisational skills. The Finance Manager’s positive, flexible approach, commitment to quality, and unwavering attention to detail will have a profound positive impact on educational outcomes.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

Oversee all financial transactions and reconciliations at Our Lady’s Prep and Nursery.

Manage all aspects of finance and financial process that meet the needs of children, staff, and external stakeholders.

Ensure accurate and timely VAT returns.

Manage and complete all Early Years Funding in liaison with the Head of Nursery, Headmaster and Local Authority

Provide financial advice and support to the Headmaster and Senior Leadership Team, ensuring informed decision-making in support of the School and Nursery’s strategic aims.

Effectively provide regular updates to the Board of Trustees, including monthly re-forecasting, budgeting and strategic planning.

Ensure financial regulations and procurement processes are followed.

ABOUT OUR SCHOOL AND NURSERY

Our Lady’s is a co-educational 3 months - 11 years Independent School and Nursery in Crowthorne, Berkshire.

We have a reputation for providing outstanding care, with a dedicated focus upon individual and personal wellbeing and a family environment and ethos. We have an enviable reputation in the local community and are in a period of time of exciting growth and development. The Nursery and School are highly ambitious and wish to be considered the leading choice for provision in the area. Our ethos is unique and founded on outstanding pastoral care.

We were formed in the early 1960s, with the gift of the site to the Trustees of the local Catholic Parish. The parish priest, Fr Boyle, wished to ensure continued affordable education for those in the locality of the parish. From humble beginnings, the school now sits on a site that houses over 140 pupils, with a dedicated Nursery of over one hundred children. Our pre-school transitions the large majority of pupils into the Reception class every year.

APPLICATION PROCESS

If you think that you possess the enthusiasm, initiative and passion to work with us and be successful in the role we would very much like to hear from you.

For an informal conversation with the Headmaster and/or a visit to the School and Nursery, please contact us directly on marie-annea@olps.co.uk.

Application forms are available directly from the School. Please email (at the above address) or telephone 01344 773394.

Closing date: Friday 4 April 9.00am

Interview date: Thursday 10 April

The Trustees reserve the right to interview and appoint prior to the date given if an appropriate candidate is found.

Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and the Prohibited from Teaching or Management lists. Shortlisted candidates will be asked to undertake identity and qualification checks which conform to the School 's Safeguarding Policy. They must also agree to references being taken up at that stage and checks made with past employers.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: £46,000.00-£52,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Discounted or free food
• Health & wellbeing programme
• On-site parking

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 04/04/2025