Group Finance Manager

Group Finance Manager

The Group Finance Manager plays a pivotal leadership role within the finance function, overseeing the accuracy and integrity of financial reporting across central entities. This role demands delivering robust financial controls, enhancing process efficiencies, and leading the preparation of statutory and management accounts with precision and timeliness.

Focal responsibilities include advancing the effiency and automation of accounting procedures, whilst ensuring strict adherence to internal control frameworks, managing treasury accounting activities, and supporting external audit processes for seamless compliance. This role is also charged with driving continuous improvements within finance systems and practices, fostering a culture of operational excellence.

In addition to technical expertise, the Group Finance Manager will inspire and develop a high-performing finance team, promoting collaboration and knowledge sharing across the wider organisation. The postholder will act as a key influencer, challenging conventional approaches to embed best practices that support strategic growth and financial sustainability.

We're looking for:

We are seeking an accomplished and motivated professional to join us as our Group Finance Manager. The ideal candidate is someone with a comprehensive understanding of corporate finance, exceptional analytical skills, and the ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-evolving environment. Key capabilities and expectations include:

Financial Reporting & Control

• Own the end-to-end delivery of financial statements and management reports for central entities, ensuring timeliness, accuracy, and compliance with accounting standards.


• Lead statutory account preparation and audit coordination for international subsidiaries, maintaining transparent and effective communication with auditors.


• Implement and maintain rigorous financial controls by overseeing trial balances, account reconciliations, and regular balance sheet reviews.


• Act as the primary liaison for external audits, adeptly managing audit queries and fostering positive auditor relationships.


• Prepare comprehensive tax reporting documentation and collaborate proactively with the corporate tax team to ensure compliance and optimisation.

Process Improvement & Systems

• Champion automation initiatives to streamline core accounting workflows, significantly reducing manual intervention and enhancing accuracy.


• Drive optimisation and enhancement of finance systems, including active involvement in refining the Treasury Management System to better support financial operations.


• Facilitate the organisation’s transition toward a controls-based audit environment by promoting best practices and updating critical financial process documentation regularly.


• Maintain up-to-date process documentation to reflect current operations and support business continuity and compliance requirements.

Treasury & Technical Accounting

• Manage central treasury accounting transactions with exceptional attention to detail, ensuring accurate and timely recording.


• Provide sound, practical accounting advice on complex, non-routine transactions, assisting the wider finance team in navigating technical challenges.


• Oversee intercompany transactions, related party disclosures, and specialised accounting areas such as asset revaluations and exceptional item treatment with strict adherence to policy and regulation.

Business & Strategic Support

• Collaborate closely with regional finance teams and senior leaders across the Group, fostering strong partnerships that facilitate strategic objectives.


• Support acquisition activities by leading financial due diligence, integration planning, and post-acquisition finance alignment to ensure smooth transitions of new schools into the Group.


• Deliver insightful financial analysis and bespoke reporting that informs strategic decision-making and enhances organisational effectiveness.

Our ideal candidate embraces change, communicates effectively, and demonstrates a strong commitment to continuous professional growth. We welcome individuals passionate about driving operational excellence and contributing positively to our inclusive and innovative culture.

See the full job description here.