Finance Manager

The William Henry Smith School and Sixth Form, Brighouse, West Yorkshire, HD6 3JW

16 days remaining to apply

• Start date details

  As soon as possible

• Closing date

  25 October 2026 at 11:59pm

• Date listed

  9 October 2026

Job details

• Job role:
  • Administration, HR, data and finance
• Visa sponsorship: Visas cannot be sponsored
• Working pattern: Full time: Full-time, permanent, 37 hours per week, Monday to Friday, all year round
• Contract type: Permanent
• Pay scale: NJC Points 33 – 38, £45,529.00 - £50,908.00 per annum

What skills and experience we're looking for

Education/Qualifications/Training

Qualified or part-qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA or equivalent), AAT Level 4, or substantial relevant finance management experience

Evidence of continuing professional development in finance, accounting or leadership

Experience

Significant experience of managing day-to-day financial operations within a complex organisation

Experience of producing accurate management information, financial reports, forecasts and budget monitoring reports

Experience of implementing and maintaining robust financial controls, procedures and governance arrangements

Experience of managing purchase ledger, sales ledger, income collection, debt recovery and payment processes

Experience of preparing balance sheet reconciliations, control account reconciliations and month-end processes

Experience of financial systems administration and improving financial processes through system development or automation

Experience of managing, supervising and developing staff within a finance function

Experience of advising and supporting non-financial managers and budget holders

Experience of maintaining compliance with financial regulations, policies and statutory requirements

Knowledge & Understanding

Strong knowledge of financial controls, accounting principles and best practice financial management

Sound understanding of budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management and financial reporting

Knowledge of internal control frameworks, fraud prevention and risk management principles

Understanding of procurement processes and value for money principles

Good knowledge of financial regulations, governance requirements and audit processes

Excellent understanding of accounting systems and financial data management

Attributes, Skills and Abilities

Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to identify issues and implement practical solutions

Advanced Excel and financial systems skills, including reporting and data analysis

Ability to interpret financial information and present it clearly to both financial and non-financial audiences

Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines

Ability to develop effective systems, processes and controls that drive continuous improvement

Excellent attention to detail and commitment to accuracy

Strong leadership and people management skills

Ability to challenge constructively and influence colleagues at all levels

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgement

Ability to build positive working relationships with a wide range of stakeholders

Personal Qualities

Values-driven, committed to Safeguarding, student welfare, equality and diversity

Self-motivated and proactive, with a willingness to undertake further training and continuous learning

Commitment to the aims, values and ethos of the Foundation, including Quality of Life and Positive Behaviour Support

Willingness to undertake training as required and commitment to ongoing professional development

Demonstrates integrity, honesty and professionalism at all times

Committed to accountability, transparency and stewardship of resources

Resilient and able to remain calm under pressure

Collaborative and supportive

Willingness to work flexibly to meet organisational requirements, including occasional attendance at meetings outside normal working hours

What the school offers its staff

Health & Wellbeing Support

Westfield Health Fully funded core cover (colleagues pay only the taxable benefit). Includes:

Doctor Line & Best Doctors access

CBT sessions and counselling

24/7 counselling and legal advice

£150 alternative therapies allowance

£150 physiotherapy and related therapies allowance

Routine healthcare cashback (dental, optical, chiropody)

Easy access via dedicated app

Headspace

Reduced annual subscription for meditation, mindfulness, sleep tools and stress reduction.

Menopause Café

A supportive and inclusive space to learn, share experiences, and access resources.

Fitness & Lifestyle Support

Nutritional and physical training from a specialist personal trainer

Lifestyle, wellbeing and financial guidance

Encouragement of peer learning and shared expertise

Occupational Health

Onsite Occupational Health Nurse and a team of external consultants supporting physical and emotional wellbeing.

Annual Flu Vaccine

Free flu vaccinations delivered onsite.

Life Assurance Scheme

4x annual salary coverage (or via Teachers' Pension Scheme). Expression-of-wish form completed on joining.

Work–Life Brilliance

Quality of Life Hour Weekly dedicated wellbeing hour with activities such as yoga, HIIT gym work, arts & crafts, gardening, bingo, badminton, darts, secret spa sessions, nail delights and more.

Free Staff Meals

Daily hot lunch in The Barn for School-site colleagues

Delivered meals for College-site colleagues

Termly refreshed menus and meals provided on L&D days

Wellbeing Gifts & Celebrations

Wellbeing gifts at Christmas and Easter

Subsidised staff festive party and end-of-summer celebration

Life Days

One paid Life Day each academic year

An additional Life Day for 100% attendance

Healthy Email Boundaries

Colleagues are encouraged not to check or send emails between 7pm–7am or on weekends (unless required by role).

Free On-site Parking

Accessible, free parking with encouragement of car sharing.

Financial & Lifestyle Benefits

Discounts for Teachers

Free membership for all staff, providing:

Discounts across retail, travel, utilities, insurance and more

Cashback opportunities via an ode card

Free access to discounts across travel, groceries, electronics, cinema, home & garden and more.

Cycle to Work Scheme

Available after 6 months' service via salary sacrifice, repaid over 12 months.

Contributory Pension Scheme

Competitive employer contributions to the Peoples Pension scheme:

Standard: 4% employee / 6% Foundation (10% total)

Higher: 5% employee / 7.5% Foundation (12.5% total)

Heads of Departments Higher: 5% employee / 10% Foundation (15% total)

All contributions made by way of salary exchange to provide for additional individuals’ National Insurance Contributions savings

Employer National Insurance Contributions savings as a result of salary exchange are also paid into the individuals’ pension accounts and therefore increasing the overall contributions shown above as follows: -

Standard: 4% employee/6% Foundation/0.6% Employer NICs savings (10.6% total)

Higher: 5% employee/7.5% Foundation/0.75% Employer NICs savings (13.25% total)

Heads of Departments Higher: 5% employee/10% Foundation/0.75% Employer NICs savings (15.75% total)

Teachers have separate pension arrangements through the Teachers’ Pension Scheme

Branded Work Wear

Quality branded work wear, of which some is subsidised

Long Service Awards

Recognition gifts and certificates; additional week of holiday pay for term-time staff after 5 years’ service

Leave & Family Support

Maternity, Adoption & Parental Support Up to 12 months leave for all, with enhanced Foundation pay based on service and role.

Enhanced Family Leave

Paternity Leave

Neonatal Care Leave

Parental Bereavement Leave

Additional Paid Leave

Compassionate Leave

Bereavement Leave

Religious Observance

Time Off for Dependants

Funeral Attendance

Learning, Development & Career Growth

Induction & Onboarding

Learning & Development Programme

Performance Development Reviews (PDRs)

Employee Voice & Community

Wellbeing Champions

Surveys & Feedback Loops

Working Together for a Thriving Community

Every benefit in this brochure reflects our commitment to fostering a compassionate, collaborative, empowered and future-focused workplace. Thank you for being a valued part of the William Henry Smith Foundation. If you have any questions, the HR Team is always here to support you.

Further information about the job

The candidate will be required to undergo a full enhanced DBS check and must be eligible to work in the UK.

Visas cannot be sponsored.

If you're interested in teaching or training to teach in England as an international citizen, we can help you understand your next steps.

Purpose of the Job:

The Finance Manager is responsible for the operational management of the Foundation's finance function, ensuring robust financial controls, accurate financial processing, effective financial systems and full compliance with financial policies and procedures.

Reporting to the Finance Director, the postholder will oversee the day-to-day financial operations of the Foundation, ensuring income is collected promptly, expenditure is appropriately controlled, financial transactions are processed accurately, and financial records are maintained to a high standard.

The Finance Manager will lead the continuous improvement of financial systems, procedures and controls, provide timely and accurate financial information, support budget holders and manage the team of finance assistants. This role will promote strong financial discipline, accountability, value for money, and effective stewardship of Foundation resources.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Financial Operations, Systems and Controls

• Lead the day-to-day operation of the Foundation's finance function, ensuring an efficient, accurate and responsive service.
• Develop, implement and maintain robust financial systems, procedures, workflows and internal controls.
• Ensure all financial processes are clearly documented, regularly reviewed and consistently applied across the Foundation.
• Maintain effective segregation of duties, access controls and authorisation arrangements.
• Ensure compliance with the Foundation's Financial Regulations, Scheme of Delegation, procurement requirements and relevant policies.
• Monitor financial transactions and control accounts to identify errors, anomalies, duplicate transactions, unusual activity or control weaknesses.
• Investigate control failures promptly, implement corrective action and escalate significant issues to the Finance Director.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives, including appropriate automation, to strengthen efficiency, accuracy, reporting and accountability.
• Act as an operational lead for finance systems, ensuring system integrity, appropriate user access and effective use by the finance team.
• Maintain standard operating procedures, control checklists and clear month-end and year-end timetables.

Income Management, Debtor Control and Cash Collection

• Ensure invoices and other requests for payment are raised promptly, accurately and against the correct funding, contractual or service information.
• Maintain effective credit control and debt recovery processes across all income streams.
• Proactively monitor and pursue outstanding debts in line with agreed timescales and escalation procedures.
• Produce, review and distribute regular aged debtor reports, with clear actions, owners and follow-up dates.
• Liaise with local authorities, commissioners, funding bodies, parents, carers and other organisations, as appropriate, to resolve invoice queries and secure timely payment.
• Escalate significant, disputed or high-risk debts to the Finance Director and maintain a clear record of actions taken.
• Monitor debtor performance, identify recurring issues and implement improvements to reduce late payment and bad debt exposure.
• Ensure income received is allocated correctly, reconciled promptly and supported by appropriate documentation.
• Maintain effective controls over credit notes, refunds, write-offs and changes to customer records.

Purchase Ledger, Payments and Expenditure Control

• Oversee purchase ledger operations and ensure supplier invoices are processed accurately, completely and within agreed timescales.
• Ensure invoices are matched to appropriate purchase orders, receipts, coding and authorisation before payment.
• Oversee payment runs, ensuring payments are accurate, appropriately authorised and made in accordance with agreed terms.
• Maintain accurate supplier records and robust controls over the creation and amendment of supplier bank details.
• Reconcile supplier statements regularly and ensure queries, duplicate invoices and disputed balances are resolved promptly.
• Monitor expenditure to ensure compliance with budgets, procurement procedures, delegated limits and value-for-money expectations.
• Support budget holders to understand and follow purchasing, coding and approval procedures.
• Maintain effective controls over expenses, purchasing cards, petty cash and other payment methods.

Financial Processing, Payroll Interfaces and Reconciliations

• Ensure journals, accruals, prepayments, income, expenditure and other financial transactions are processed accurately and on time.
• Oversee timely bank reconciliations and ensure reconciling items are investigated and cleared promptly.
• Ensure monthly balance sheet and control account reconciliations are completed, evidenced and independently reviewed.
• Maintain effective interfaces and reconciliations between finance, payroll and other relevant systems.
• Work with payroll colleagues or providers to ensure payroll information is complete, authorised and accurately reflected in the financial ledger.
• Investigate discrepancies and ensure corrective entries and process improvements are completed promptly.
• Maintain accurate accounting records and supporting documentation, ensuring clear audit trails and readiness for audit throughout the year.

Budget Monitoring and Financial Reporting

• Prepare accurate and timely monthly management information for the Finance Director.
• Support the production of monthly management accounts, forecasts, cash flow information and financial reports.
• Provide budget monitoring information and clear variance analysis to budget holders and senior leaders.
• Work with budget holders to investigate variances, improve forecasting and address emerging financial pressures.
• Produce financial dashboards, performance indicators and other management information as required.
• Support the Finance Director with reports for the Senior Leadership Team, committees and trustees.
• Ensure reporting information is supported by reconciled records and is presented clearly to financial and non-financial audiences.

Cash Flow, Banking and Treasury Administration

• Monitor short-term cash flow and provide accurate information to the Finance Director.
• Oversee day-to-day banking administration and ensure bank mandates, access arrangements and payment controls remain current and secure.
• Ensure receipts, transfers and payments are recorded promptly and accurately.
• Monitor cash balances and expected receipts and payments, highlighting potential issues at the earliest opportunity.
• Maintain secure and appropriately controlled arrangements for cash and other Foundation financial assets.

Audit, Compliance and Governance

• Support the preparation of annual accounts, year-end working papers and audit schedules.
• Act as a key operational contact during audit fieldwork and provide accurate supporting documentation within agreed deadlines.
• Coordinate the implementation of audit recommendations and maintain evidence of completed actions.
• Ensure operational compliance with relevant Charity Commission, Companies House, funding, tax and statutory requirements, under the direction of the Finance Director.
• Support the review, development and implementation of financial policies, procedures and internal controls.
• Assist with financial risk management, fraud prevention, assurance activity and maintenance of appropriate records.
• Report suspected fraud, irregularity, data breach or material control failure immediately through the appropriate Foundation procedures.

Leadership and Team Management

• Provide effective day-to-day leadership and management of the finance team.
• Allocate workloads, set clear deadlines and monitor delivery against agreed service standards and financial timetables.
• Develop, motivate and support staff through induction, supervision, performance management and professional development.
• Ensure appropriate cover, resilience and separation of duties within the team.
• Promote a culture of accuracy, accountability, collaboration, customer service and continuous improvement.
• Ensure finance staff understand and consistently follow documented systems, controls and procedures.

Stakeholder Support and Engagement

• Build positive and productive relationships with budget holders, senior leaders, trustees, auditors, suppliers, commissioners and funding bodies.
• Provide clear advice and guidance to colleagues on financial systems, processes and procedures.
• Provide training and support to budget holders and other users of financial systems.
• Communicate financial information clearly, professionally and appropriately to both financial and non-financial audiences.
• Support the Foundation's commitment to transparency, accountability and value for money.

Other Specific Requirements

• To participate in the Foundation’s programme of performance management.
• Understand their professional responsibilities in relation to the Foundation’s policies and practices.
• To participate in whole Foundation training days.
• To ensure your Essential Training/Reading is kept up to date as well as any CPD relevant to the role.
• To work across all Foundation sites as and when required by line management.
• To undertake such other duties appropriate to the post as may from time to time be required to ensure the smooth and efficient running of the Foundation.

Commitment to safeguarding

William Henry Smith Foundation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults and expects all staff to share this commitment. Our recruitment process aims to create and maintain a safe workforce and contains robust vetting procedures. The successful applicant will be appointed subject to references and enhanced child/adult DBS check including barred list (this is a regulated activity position).

The successful candidate will be subject to a rigorous safer recruitment process and must adhere to a strict code of conduct regarding behaviour. Shortlisted candidates will be subject to online searches in accordance with KCSIE 2025.

Applying for the job

Apply for the job by following the link below.

CVs will not be accepted for this application.

Additional documents

If you need these documents in an accessible format, please contact the school.

Central Services Recruitment Pack - Finance Manager Recruitment Pack.pdf - 1.98 MB (opens in new tab)

About The William Henry Smith School and Sixth Form

• Organisation type: Special school, ages 5 to 19
• Size: 83 pupils enrolled
• Age range: 5 to 19
• Ofsted report: View Ofsted report
• Website: The William Henry Smith School and Sixth Form website
• Email address: gemma.maloney@thesmithfoundation.org.uk
• Phone number: 01484710123
• See more jobs: teaching-vacancies.service.gov.uk/organisations/william-henry-smith-school

William Henry Smith Foundation values equality and diversity across its workforce and aims to ensure our staff community is reflective of the diversity of the children and young people within our care. We are also committed to promoting the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of both students and staff and reflects life in Modern Britain.

William Henry Smith Foundation is a registered charity that operates the outstanding William Henry Smith School, Sixth Form and Specialist College and therapeutic children’s home, all for children and young adults experiencing social, emotional, and mental health challenges (SEMH).

The School, Sixth-Form, Specialist College and Children's home have a wealth and breadth of professionals which form an integrated team around students, including Creative Arts Psychotherapists, Speech and Language and Occupational Therapists, Nurses, a Social Worker and a Family team. Residential Care and Teaching and Learning staff play a vital part in children’s lives, progress and quality of life.

Arranging a visit to The William Henry Smith School and Sixth Form

To arrange a visit and increase the chance of a successful application email gemma.maloney@thesmithfoundation.org.uk.

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