Finance Manager
Finance Manager at Reading Students’ Union
Location: University of Reading, Whiteknights Campus, Reading, Berkshire
Salary: £ 36,595.63
Contract: Permanent - Full time, 35 hours a week
A role where you can innovate and make a real impact!
About Reading Students’ Union
We are a dynamic, student-focused organisation dedicated to empowering students and enhancing their university experience. Our vision is to be a place for everyone; we inspire and empower students to change the world. Check out our exciting new strategy.
The Role: Finance Manager
As Finance Manager, you will be at the heart of Reading 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. You will be overseeing management accounts, statutory accounts, payroll, and financial systems and will be 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 always reflect our mission, vision, values, and ethics.
You will be the line-manager of the Finance team, drive continuous improvement, support strategic delivery, and confidently deputise for the Director of Finance when required.
What you’ll 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 SU’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.
About You
Essential
AAT qualified or part‑qualified accountant (or willing to work towards).
Significant experience as a Finance Manager or in a senior finance role.
Organised, adaptable, and able to manage competing priorities in a busy and fast-paced environment.
Excellent communicator, confident in explaining financial information to non‑finance colleagues.
Strong numerical, analytical, and problem‑solving skills.
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 good 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 Us?
Inclusive and supportive team culture
Flexible working options
35 days annual leave including Christmas and Easter closure days
Professional development opportunities
Unique working environment in the heart of a vibrant Student’s Union, set on a stunning, green campus.
Ready to make bold change happen? Ready to lead the way?
Join us and help shape the future of student life at Reading Students’ Union.
Committed to equality, celebrating diversity, and embedding sustainability—building an inclusive workplace and a brighter future for all.
- Department
- Finance
- Locations
- Reading Students' Union
About Reading Students' Union
Reading Students' Union (Reading SU) exists to improve the lives of over 19,000 University of Reading students, every day.
An independent, student-led charity, everything we do is student-inspired and, as a not-for-profit organisation, all funds raised through our activities are passed right back into the Students’ Union to benefit students.
Our charitable purpose is the advancement of the education of students at the University of Reading for the public benefit, and we achieve this by:
Promoting the interests and welfare of students at the University of Reading during their course of study and representing, supporting and advising students;
Being the recognised representative channel between students and the University of Reading and any other external bodies; and
Providing social, cultural, sporting and recreational activities and forums for discussions and debate for the personal development of our students.
Our mission is simple: We strive to help students be their best, most authentic selves. We celebrate the diverse backgrounds, identities and lived experiences that make up our student body, and pride ourselves on creating spaces and opportunities where everyone feels they belong and are empowered to grow, thrive and achieve their goals.