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Finance Manager at a Reading-based Students’ Union

Location: Reading, Berkshire – 100% office-based

Salary: £36,596 – £45,653 depending on experience

Contract: Permanent – Full time, 35 hours a week which can be condensed into 4 days

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A role where you can innovate and make a real impact!

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About the Students’ Union

They are a dynamic, studentfocused organisation dedicated to empowering students and enhancing their university experience. Their vision is to be a place for everyone; they inspire and empower students to change the world.

The Role: Finance Manager

As Finance Manager, the successful candidate will be at the heart of the Students’ Union’s Finance team, providing senior operational leadership and expert financial support to ensure the Union operates efficiently, transparently, and in line with its charitable purpose, values, and legal obligations.

You will be the trusted expert on the Union’s finances, overseeing management accounts, statutory accounts, payroll, and financial systems. You will act as a key business partner to senior leaders, budget holders, and elected student officers.

Working closely with the Director of Finance, you will help build a strong culture of effective financial management across both charitable and commercial activities, ensuring financial decisions reflect the organisation’s mission, vision, values, and ethics.

You will manage the Finance team of 2, drive continuous improvement, support strategic delivery, and confidently deputise for the Director of Finance when required.

What you will do

Financial Reporting & Data-Driven Insight

• Ensure the accuracy and timeliness of all key financial reports to support informed decision-making

• Prepare monthly management accounts and annual final accounts

• Design, maintain, and analyse KPI reports to monitor financial health and operational efficiency

• Respond promptly and accurately to requests for financial data and insights, including Board reports

Financial Planning & Business Partnering

• Collaborate with the Director of Finance to develop and implement long-term financial planning aligned with strategic objectives

• Act as a trusted partner for commercial strategy, providing insights on income generation and subsidiary operations

• Support annual budgeting and reforecasting processes, ensuring robust financial oversight

Operational Finance Management

• Oversee day-to-day financial operations, including invoice processing, payment runs, journal preparation, and reconciliations

• Manage cash flow and reserves to ensure financial stability

• Maintain aged debtor and creditor records and reconcile balance sheet accounts (prepayments, accruals, PAYE, NIC, payroll control)

Systems, Controls & Compliance

• Control the operation of the Students’ Union’s accounting system and ensure completion of month-end and year-end procedures

• Oversee payroll processing, ensuring accuracy and timeliness

• Develop and maintain accessible financial procedures aligned with best practice and audit recommendations

• Ensure compliance with financial legislation, governance frameworks, and statutory reporting requirements (VAT returns, Charity Commission, Companies House, HMRC)

Risk, Governance & Assurance

• Maintain an accurate and live risk register in collaboration with the Director of Finance

• Implement robust internal financial controls across the organisation

• Support the Finance & Risk Committee and ensure adequate insurance coverage and asset management

• Work confidently within governance frameworks, providing assurance to senior leaders and Trustees

Leadership & Collaboration

• Line-manage the Finance team, fostering a culture of accountability and high performance

• Provide training and guidance on financial processes and best practices

• Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders and external partners, including auditors and insurers

Candidate requirements

Essential

• AAT qualified or part-qualified accountant (or willing to work towards)

• Significant experience as a Finance Manager or in a senior finance role

• Advanced Excel skills (creating, analysing, and manipulating data)

• Strong numerical, analytical, and problem-solving skills

• Organised, adaptable, and able to manage competing priorities in a busy, fast-paced environment

• Excellent communicator, confident in explaining financial information to non-finance colleagues

• Confident people manager with the ability to coach, mentor, and develop others

• Passionate about using financial insight to support effective decision-making

• Evidence of ongoing CPD or professional development

Proven experience in:

• Producing monthly management accounts, budgets, forecasts, and cash flow reports

• Managing day-to-day finance operations, including invoicing, payments, reconciliations, and payroll

• Business partnering with budget holders and senior leaders

• Leading the development of financial processes and controls to strengthen governance, efficiency, and effectiveness

• Working within governance frameworks and applying strong financial controls

• Building strong relationships with internal stakeholders and external partners

Desirable

• Experience working in a charity, education, or student-focused environment

• Knowledge of charity VAT requirements and governance frameworks

• Experience supporting Boards, Trustees, or Finance & Risk Committees

• Knowledge of EPOS, stock control, or electronic payment systems

Why Join Them?

• Inclusive and supportive team culture

• Flexible working options

• 35 days annual leave including Christmas and Easter closure days

• Professional development opportunities

• A unique working environment in the heart of a vibrant students’ union, set on a stunning, green campus

To apply, please send your CV for immediate consideration – applications are being considered on a rolling basis.

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