Finance Manager

• Location: Hybrid, one day per week in South London
• Job Type: Full-time
• Salary Range: £55-60,000

We are looking for an experienced Finance Manager with a strong background in multi-academy trust financial management. The successful candidate will lead the production of financial statements and manage a central finance team, ensuring high-quality financial information is provided to all schools within the Trust and the Senior Leadership Team. This role is crucial for the design and implementation of new financial systems and processes, enhancing operational efficiency within a robust internal control framework.

• Lead the day-to-day operational management of the finance function, including drafting statutory returns.
• Provide accurate and timely financial reporting against academies and central budgets.
• Offer strategic finance and operational support to academies and the Trust’s Senior Leadership Team.
• Support Business Managers with financial management, ensuring academies optimise resource utilisation.
• Prepare the Trust’s accounts and statutory returns, maintaining compliance with policies and procedures.
• Drive efficiencies and procurement opportunities across the Trust.
• Support the development and implementation of financial systems to maximise operational efficiencies.
• Assist with budget setting, in-year monitoring, and long-term financial forecasting.

• Significant experience in financial management within a multi-academy trust environment.
• Demonstrated leadership skills with the ability to manage finance teams effectively.
• Strong experience in working with school Business Leaders or in similar educational finance roles.
• Expertise in supporting the design and implementation of financial systems and processes.
• Excellent relationship-building skills, with the ability to work closely with schools’ Senior Leadership Teams.
• Strategic thinker with the capability to provide high-level operational support and advice.
• Proficiency in financial systems and processes relevant to the education sector.
• Experience in managing financial closedown processes and preparing financial returns.
• Skilled in assisting schools with budget preparation and multi-year financial forecasting.
• Knowledge of financial management information tools, benchmarking, and best practices in academy trusts.

• Competitive salary package reflective of your experience in multi-academy trusts.
• Opportunity to contribute to the growth and success of a dynamic Trust.
• Professional development opportunities within the education finance sector.
• A pivotal role in shaping the financial strategy and processes across the Trust.

To apply for this Finance Manager role, please submit your CV and cover letter, highlighting your experience within multi-academy trusts and your suitability for this position.