Finance Manager - Full-time

Portal House School, Dover

• Ref:KCC886-7067-159S
• Posted:02/06/2025
• Pay:Kent Scheme F -G (£33,404 to £38,384)
• Start Date:August/September
• App Close Date:29/06/2025 at 13:00
• Interviews:TBC

Advert

If you are a detail-oriented, adaptable and resourceful individual, this is the role for you!
We are looking to appoint a Finance Manager to take responsibility for the school budget and the day-to-day management of the school's finances.
We’re a small, dedicated SEN school in Dover, looking for a Finance Manager who can bring both precision and passion to our team. This is more than just numbers — it’s about helping our school thrive so our pupils can too.
Our school consists of up to 80 secondary-aged students with significant Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs.
At Portal House School, we deeply value a blend of education, practical skills, and lived experience. While we welcome formal finance qualifications — and are happy to discuss these during a school tour or interview — what truly matters to us is finding the right person for our team. The ideal candidate will:

• Bring a flexible, can-do attitude to a varied and rewarding role
• Stay organised and focused, even when juggling multiple priorities
• Keep calm under pressure, using challenges as opportunities to shine
• Take initiative and confidently find solutions without waiting to be asked
• Communicate clearly and professionally, building strong relationships across the school

While prior experience in school finance is highly desirable, we understand that no one knows everything on day one. That’s why we offer comprehensive training and support in HR, payroll procedures, and all relevant systems and software once you're in post. We're committed to helping the right candidate grow into the role with confidence.
Portal House are proud to offer their employees:

• A truly collaborative culture where staff and pupils are supported to thrive and achieve their very best.
• A professional and comfortable working environment, including your own private office, onsite parking, and flexible working arrangements.
• A warm, welcoming team that values support, kindness, and shared success.
• Personalised professional development, with CPD tailored to your skills, interests, and career goals.
• Modern, purpose-built facilities set in recently developed grounds designed to inspire learning and wellbeing.
• Exclusive staff perks through the Kent Rewards Gateway — from retail discounts to wellbeing offers.

Visits to the school are welcome and encouraged. Please reach to Linda at: finance@portal-house.kent.sch.uk

Information about the school

At Portal House School, we envision a future where every student—regardless of their challenges—feels valued, empowered, and inspired to succeed. We are committed to nurturing confident, resilient learners who are equipped with the academic qualifications, life skills, and self-belief to thrive in further education, employment, and beyond. Through compassion, structure, and opportunity, we aim to transform lives and open doors to brighter futures.

Our school consists of up to 80 secondary-aged students with significant Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs and acts as a fresh start to their educational experience. Our mission is to reverse negative experiences of education and help every student rediscover a love for learning.

We offer a nurturing, inclusive environment in modern, purpose-built facilities where students are supported to thrive both academically and personally. Our students typically have broadly average or above-average academic potential, and we tailor our curriculum to help them achieve meaningful qualifications and life skills. We offer a broad and balanced curriculum as well as bespoke learning pathways for students who need a more tailored approach due to their individual circumstances.

Our small class sizes (typically 4–7 students) ensure that each learner receives focused support from qualified teachers and dedicated teaching assistants. This personalised approach enables our students to leave us with an average of 8–9 accreditations (GCSEs, BTECs, and Entry Levels), ready to progress into sixth form, college, apprenticeships, or employment.

Job Contact Information

• Name:Mrs R Bradley
• Address:Sea Street, St. Margaret's-At-Cliffe, Dover, Kent, CT15 6SS
• Telephone: (01304) 853033
• Email: finance@portal-house.kent.sch.uk

Fax: (01304) 853526

Documents

Below are documents that have been added to this vacancy.

• JD and Person specification