Senior Finance Manager

Are you a School/Academy Finance Manager or SBM seeking a senior role in the Wigan area?

You love your job, but you need a new challenge?

Not just dealing with finance, but sharing your expertise and helping others to develop?

And with an employer who also supports your training and development?

Do you see your next step as a senior role within a growing MAT?

Is it important for you to work in a motivated team that enjoy coming to work?

And value your contribution?

If so, this might be the role for you

We are working with the Rowan Learning Trust to find them a Permanent Senior Finance Manager to join their team in Wigan (WN3 5NY).

You'll be the bridge between the 3 secondary schools (Hawkley Hall High School, The Heys School, and Kirkby High School), and the Trust CFO.

This is a dual role where you'll be responsible for the finances of Hawkley Hall High School and developing the Finance Managers based at 2 other secondary schools within the trust.

You'll be based at Hawkley Hall High School, and expected to visit the other two schools (in Kirkby and Prestwich) on a weekly basis.

You'll benefit from an excellent local authority pension, a working schedule which fits around home commitments and the opportunity to build a career in a growing organisation.

Important Details:

• Actual salary is £49,498 - £50,512.
• All year round.
• 37 hours a week, approx. 08:15 - 16:15.
• Some flexibility on hours e.g., around the school run.

Benefits of the Senior Finance Manager Role:

• Exceptional local authority pension with employer contributions of 18.6%.
• Training will be given.
• Support with further qualifications (financial and time)
• Network of staff sharing best practice.
• Growing organisation with future career opportunities.

The Multi Academy Trust and Team:

• 9 schools, across the North-West.
• Over 500 staff and 3500 pupils.
• Growing steadily and consciously.
• Staff development is a priority.

Duties of the Senior Finance Manager:

• Line manage 6 admin and finance staff at Hawkley Hall.
• Monitor the quality of finance reports from secondary finance staff.
• Manage and support the development of secondary school finance staff in the phase.
• Provide advice to Finance Managers on money matters throughout the year.
• Attend monthly meetings with key people and visit Trust sites regularly.
• Lead the school's finances, advising the Headteacher and LGC to help meet the school's goals.
• Ensure financial rules and Trust procedures are followed.
• Oversee the creation, setting, and tracking of annual and 5-year budgets, keeping the Headteacher, LGC, and Trust informed.
• Develop a financial plan that matches the school's development needs and future budgets.
• Manage the school's budget and flag any issues to the Headteacher/CFO.
• Keep an eye on cash flow and prepare monthly forecasts.
• Create and share detailed monthly financial reports with the Headteacher, LGC, and Trust.
• Use financial data to spot spending trends.
• Work with auditors and finance teams to prepare year-end accounts and audit papers.
• Handle petty cash, VAT claims, bank reconciliations, and month-end tasks.
• Keep the fixed asset register updated and manage credit card spending.
• Approve invoices and ensure BACS payments are made on time.
• Provide budget holders with accurate and timely reports.
• Be responsible for checking the monthly payroll reports and payments, liaising with the Trust's payroll provider to rectify any anomalies.

The Senior Finance Manager Must Have/Be:

• Maths and English GCSE Grade C or equivalent.
• Professional finance background, including management experience in school/academy finance.
• Experience with purchase orders, sales invoices, and monthly reconciliations.
• Skilled in drafting and editing financial spreadsheets and documents.
• Strong IT skills and ability to interpret complex financial data.
• Effective communication skills, both written and oral.
• Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines, and adhere to performance indicators.
• Flexible approach to training, tailored to learner needs.
• Professional, organised, and detail-oriented.
• Able to prioritise and complete tasks efficiently.
• Enthusiastic and committed to handling demanding tasks.
• Flexible with daily work patterns.
• Capable of developing and implementing new procedures.
• Willing to pursue further qualifications and training as needed.
• Able to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Maintains confidentiality, has a sense of humour, and shows empathy with children.

An Advantage but not Essential:

• Finance qualification (e.g. Level 4 ILM Diploma for School Business Managers, AAT) or equivalent experience.
• Proficient in IT packages for preparing and presenting financial data.
• Experience with education financial management software (IRIS Financials/Access Education Budgets).

I am managing the recruitment of this role therefore any direct enquiries will be forwarded to Appoint-Ed. This role is subject to an enhanced child workforce DBS.

If you're the Senior Finance Manager the Rowan Learning Trust are searching for, let's talk!

Please send your CV via this ad or call the Appoint-Ed office and speak with Kellie.