Job Description
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Finance Manager
Pay Range:Scale 6 Point 6 - 13 £29064-£32597 pro rata
4 days a week negotiable 29.6 hours per week 39 weeks (including 5 days in April)
Position Start Date:01/09/2026 Contract Type:Part-time Contract Term:Permanent
Application Close:18th June 2026 Midnight Date of Interviews:23rd June 2026
Shortlisting Starts:19/06/2026
Start date: 1st September 2026
Fairways Primary School is seeking to appoint a professional, highly organised and motivated Finance Manager to join our friendly and successful team.
Fairways Primary School is a 'Good' school with a dedicated and committed staff team. We pride ourselves on our supportive and welcoming environment, where colleagues work collaboratively and support one another to achieve the very best outcomes for our pupils.
The successful candidate will work closely with the Headteacher and Business Manager to manage the school's financial operations, including budget planning, monitoring and reporting. This is a varied role which also includes supporting the General Office on a weekly basis and providing Midday Assistant cover when required.
Key Responsibilities
Finance and Accountancy
Work alongside the Headteacher and School Business Manager on strategy, planning and policy
Support the preparation and coordination of the school's annual budget
Monitor budgets and produce regular financial reports for senior leaders and governors, attending meetings as required (some held outside normal working hours)
Maintain accurate financial records, including income, expenditure and cost analysis
Produce long-term financial forecasts and support project evaluations
Prepare financial reports and contribute to income-generating activities
Oversee purchasing processes, ensuring orders and deliveries are accurate and correctly allocated
Check statements and authorise invoices in accordance with school procedures
Advise on the effective use and management of school funds
Identify and explore additional funding opportunities
Take responsibility for payroll processes, including salaries, PAYE, NI and pension returns
Maintain accounts in line with DfE requirements and submit returns to Southend Local Authority
Complete monthly reconciliations across all financial systems
Prepare payments (cheques/BACS) and ensure suppliers are paid promptly
Produce annual accounts and liaise with auditors to meet deadlines
Oversee bank accounts, VAT processes and cash handling procedures
Manage the day-to-day running of the school fund
Support procurement activities, including obtaining quotes in line with financial regulations
Assist with financial planning for premises improvements and capital projects
Personnel and Payroll
Ensure all staff are paid accurately and in line with current pay scales
Manage payroll administration for appointments, changes and leavers
Process payroll adjustments relating to absence and sickness
Complete claim forms, overtime payments and additional duties documentation
Respond to payroll queries and liaise with the payroll provider as required
General Duties
Provide support within the General Office each week
Provide Midday Assistant cover in the event of staff absence
Maintain strict confidentiality at all times
Attend relevant training sessions and meetings as required
Work collaboratively with colleagues to ensure smooth day-to-day operations
Contribute positively to the ethos and wider life of the school
Take part in performance management and professional development
Comply with all relevant health and safety requirements
Person Specification
The successful candidate will have:
Experience of financial management and budgeting (school experience desirable)
Strong IT skills, particularly in Microsoft Excel and Word
A good understanding of how schools operate
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
The ability to work effectively in a busy environment and manage competing priorities
A clear understanding of confidentiality and data protection
Safeguarding
Fairways Primary School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff are expected to share this commitment.
This post is subject to:
Enhanced DBS clearance
Satisfactory references and medical checks
Social media checks
Disqualification declaration
All appointments are made in line with safer recruitment procedures.
Our Commitment
Fairways Primary School is committed to:
Promoting equality of opportunity and valuing diversity
Upholding fundamental British values, including mutual respect and tolerance
If you would like to visit the school or have any queries relating to the role please email:clerical@fairways.southend.sch.uk
Telephone:01702 525693
Information about the School
Fairways is a two form entry primary school set in extensive beautiful grounds in Leigh on Sea that celebrates individuality, champions potential, and works tirelessly to ensure every pupil feels seen, supported, and valued. Our pupils love coming to school; they are respectful and learn in a kind, and calm place where they flourish in their learning and their relationships. In addition to our fourteen classes we have a speech and language resource base which is an integral part of the school; the resource base children are included in all aspects of school life, with some fully included in mainstream classes.
The governors and staff at Fairways believe that the school should provide a stimulating and challenging environment where a lifelong passion for learning is nurtured.
Fairways Primary School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All appointments will be subject to an enhanced DBS check, medical clearance and satisfactory references.