Finance Manager

Cognita is an extraordinary group of diverse yet connected schools, spanning sixteen different countries. We share one common purpose: to create an inspiring world of education that builds self-belief and empowers individuals to succeed. With over 100 schools in Europe, Latin America, Middle East, North America and Asia, we employ 15,000 teaching and support staff in the care and education of more than 75,000 students.

We have an exciting position for a Finance Manager – Pod 1, reporting into the Head of Finance, working closely day-to-day with a number of schools. Please note: This is a remote role and candidates would ideally be situated within the Midlands area of the UK as travel to schools across the UK is required.

About the Role

This role is a key member of the POD financial team, reporting to the POD Head of Finance, and working closely day to day with a number of schools. The finance manager will be a key business partner to the Heads and school-based Operations Manager(s) to ensure a well-oiled and proactive finance function operates to support the schools and ensure accurate/robust finance processes are working well.

Some the duties include, but not limited to:

• Ensure that all financial accounting deadlines are achieved to a high standard. This includes month end close and payroll.
• Supports school-based finance administrators with day-to-day queries related to billing or invoice management
• Control multiple P&L’s and to understand risks and opportunities as they arise.
• Lead all budgeting and forecasting activities for your schools
• Produce management accounts with insightful analysis.
• Analysing financial information and working with budget holders to ensure that budgets are adhered to and costs are controlled
• Ensure strong relationships between all areas of Finance to improve controls, efficiencies and performance (with peers, PODs & finance in general)
• Contributes to financial reports and governance of the overall school performance
• Work with Marketing/Admissions and HoS to set stretching annual enrolment
• Ensure a quality response to individual parent feedback is given when appropriate

About You

The ideal candidate will have great interpersonal skills, enjoys interacting with others and partnering with the wider team. You will have great business partnering skills and a service mindset to support colleagues from both a financial and a non-financial background. Have the ability to manage multiple stakeholders and work well within a team and bring a proactive approach with the ability to work on your own initiative (operate with autonomy and authority).

Previous Experience Must Include:

• Successful track record of financial management, with a commercial and business partnering focus 
• Experience of working in a complex, busy, service-driven environment that is multiple sites and cross functional stakeholders 
• Experience in use of customer database, financial management and business insights systems 
• Understanding of the competitive schools market would be an advantage
• A suitable financial qualification – degree level or vocational 
• Confident and adept use of Databases and Microsoft applications e.g. Word, Excel, PPT, NetSuite, PowerBi, MS Dynamics

Benefits Package

Here at Cognita we offer a Competitive Salary with some other benefits:

• Contributory Pension Scheme
• Professional development
• School fee discount
• 25 days Holiday plus Bank Holidays

How to Apply

If this sounds like you, we encourage you to apply by

submitting a CV by 5:00pm on Thursday 11th May to recruitment@cognita.com.

Diversity and Inclusion:

We believe having a diverse workforce makes us better, smarter and happier and so welcome applicants from all backgrounds, genders, and races. We have an unwavering commitment to being fair, inclusive and equitable in our recruitment process.

Cognita Schools are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff, volunteers and other third parties to share this commitment. Safer recruitment practice and pre-employment background checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed.