Academies Finance Leader - Budgeting, Reporting & Strategy

Shorefields; Tendring; Hybrid; GBP 36,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension scheme

Free Perkbox membership

Cycle to Work scheme

Discounted gym membership

Job summary

The Sigma Trust is seeking a Trust Finance Manager to lead financial administration across multiple academies in North East Essex. You will manage budgets, monitor financial performance and ensure compliance with Department for Education frameworks and trust policies.

Reporting to the Finance Director, you will prepare management accounts, support forecasting, and collaborate with Headteachers to promote robust financial practices across the Trust. Experience in education finance is preferred.

Qualifications

• Senior finance professional with direct budget management experience.
• Proven track record in budget preparation, monitoring and forecasting.
• Experience in preparing and presenting financial and management accounts, reports and data.
• Knowledge of operating accounting software systems.
• Experience of working in a school or academy.
• A Professional Accountancy Qualification would be desirable.

Responsibilities

• Financial Administration: Managing financial procedures across multiple academies per Department for Education frameworks.
• Budget Monitoring & Reporting: Work with the Finance Director and Head teachers to monitor budgets and ensure accurate reporting.
• Financial Approvals and Restrictions: Authorise purchases within delegation limits and ensure compliance with regulations and grant conditions.

Skills

Senior budget management

Budget preparation & monitoring

Financial reporting & forecasting

Accounting software experience

Experience in school/academy

Education

Professional Accountancy Qualification

Tools

Accounting software systems

Job description

The Sigma Trust is seeking a Trust Finance Manager to lead financial administration across multiple academies in North East Essex. You will manage budgets, monitor financial performance and ensure compliance with Department for Education frameworks and trust policies.

Reporting to the Finance Director, you will prepare management accounts, support forecasting, and collaborate with Headteachers to promote robust financial practices across the Trust. Experience in education finance is preferred.