Job Description
About the Role
The Finance Manager will be an experienced accountant responsible for the effective and efficient operation, maintenance and development of the accounting and financial procedures and systems of the School and its subsidiaries, working within the legal and regulatory frameworks as guided by ISBA policies under the direction of the Bursar. The role specifically demands a high level of understanding in the areas covered in the role and the ability to deal with ad hoc queries using own initiative and problem-solving skills with minimal supervision.
This role brings with it responsibility for being a self-starter in developing knowledge, ensuring quality standards for all processes, and identifying corrective actions, while conducting strict confidentiality and discretion in alignment with the school ethos. As with all members of the team you will provide effective and efficient support to the Bursar and proactively contribute to the smooth running of the Bursary Team.
Key Duties & Responsibilities
• Promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children and young persons for whom we are responsible and with whom you come into contact.
• Provision of a full accounting service for The Yehudi Menuhin School Limited, YMS Enterprises, YMS China and the linked charity.
• Maintaining accurate accounts for all entities with rigorous, efficient, and timely processes, including reconciliation and in-depth understanding of all control and balance sheet accounts and processes across purchase and fees ledgers.
• Liaison with Development Team and Menuhin Hall Director and Head of Commercial Activities ensuring accurate and reconciled recognition of income with systems in use in those departments.
• Prepare, review, and analyse monthly management accounts including forecasting to year end for all entities.
• Budget management: correspond regularly with budget-holders to ensure spending is in line with phased budget throughout the year.
• Cash flow management: maintain bank balances across all entities’ accounts to ensure adequate levels, managing savings deposits to maximise interest income, forecasting cash flow on a
minimum 12 month rolling basis.
• Maintaining a Fixed Asset Register and reconciliation to the Fixed Assets in the accounts, including musical instruments in collaboration with the Music Department.
• Supporting the Bursar in preparation of annual budgets for all entities.
• Liaison with auditors for the annual audit and implementation of improvements arising from unadjusted or adjusted errors and Management Letter recommendations.
• Monthly payroll duties including preparation, execution, review, reporting, posting to accounts and all relevant payments including pension.
• Oversight and / or execution of year end obligations and documentation issuance to employees, and liaison with HMRC and pension providers.
• Line management of Accounts Assistant.
• Cover for Accounts Assistant in all aspects of the role, to include all Sales and Purchase Ledger management activities.
• Assist Bursar in the annual MDS and bursary assessment process.
• Preparation of quarterly returns for VAT group.
Other Responsibilities
• Undertake other reasonable duties related to the job purpose when requested by the Bursar or Head.
• Maintaining bank mandates for all entities and fulfil all obligations with regard to identification and all other requirements.
• Maintain a thorough understanding of the Music and Dance Scheme rules and requirements.
• Manage the chart of accounts, making unused accounts inactive and setting up new ones when required according to department and budget structures.
• Ensure accounting system meets the needs of the School, consider any upgrade or changes necessary and raise for discussion with Bursar.
• Ensure competency to fulfil requirements of the role through self-learning, external training, and mentoring. Request any training gaps identified.
No job description can fully cover all aspects of the role and consequently the responsibilities are likely to organically evolve and change over time.
For full details about the role, please download the Candidate Information Pack
If you would like to apply for the role, please use the 'Apply Now' button at the top of the page and complete our application form. The deadline for applications is Friday 15th August 2025.