We are seeking an experienced Finance Manager to join the team, reporting to the Business Services Manager. The role will be involved in both strategic planning and day-to-day operations, with responsibility for financial management, budgeting, forecasting, reporting and payroll oversight.
This is a varied role suited to someone who enjoys being hands-on with finance while also contributing to the broader operational and strategic direction of the school.
Key Responsibilities

- Oversee day-to-day financial operations, ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting.
- Lead budgeting, forecasting and financial planning processes.
- Provide financial analysis and insights to support strategic and operational decision-making.
- Partner with the Business Services Manager and wider leadership team on financial strategy and business planning.
- Monitor cash flow, expenditure and financial performance against budgets.
- Oversee payroll operations, ensuring accuracy, compliance and timely processing.
- Provide guidance on complex payroll matters, ensuring processes and controls are effective and compliant.
- Manage month-end and year-end reporting, reconciliations and financial statements.
- Identify opportunities to improve financial processes, systems and internal controls.
- Ensure compliance with relevant financial legislation, reporting requirements and organisational policies.
- Support the development and implementation of financial policies and procedures.




- Contribute to broader business services and operational initiatives as required.

About You To be successful in this role, you will be a commercially minded finance professional with strong technical accounting skills and the ability to work closely with senior stakeholders.
You will bring:

- Proven experience in a Finance Manager or senior finance role.
- Strong budgeting, forecasting and financial reporting capabilities.
- A deep understanding of payroll, including relevant legislation, awards, entitlements, superannuation, taxation and compliance requirements.
- Experience overseeing payroll operations and resolving complex payroll queries.
- Experience using Compass and ConnX software systems.
- The ability to translate financial data into meaningful insights and recommendations.
- Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills.
- A proactive approach to improving processes and driving operational efficiencies.
- Excellent attention to detail and the ability to manage competing priorities.
- The ability to balance hands-on financial management with strategic thinking.

Experience within a school or education environment would be advantageous.
The Opportunity Join an established school with a positive working culture and solid staff retention, in a role that combines financial management, payroll oversight and involvement in the school's broader strategy and operations.

📌 Financial Manager (Sydney)
🏢 Appreciating Talent
📍 Sydney