Accountant

Shaw Education Trust; Hempstalls; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational trust in England is seeking an Accountant to oversee central finance operations. This role involves managing day-to-day activities of finance support personnel while ensuring compliance with financial regulations. Responsibilities include preparing financial reports and collaborating with school teams to develop financial strategies. Candidates should possess relevant accounting qualifications and experience in financial reporting. This is a full-time position based at the Trust's Head Office.

Benefits

Generous holiday entitlement

Local Government Pension Scheme

Medicash Health & Wellbeing Plan

Cycle to Work scheme

DiscountForTeachers Scheme

Qualifications

• Experience in preparing financial reports and statements.
• Strong understanding of compliance and financial regulations.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with different teams.

Responsibilities

• Prepare monthly financial reports.
• Contribute to the production of annual financial statements.
• Manage day-to-day activities of the central finance support partner.
• Support schools in developing strategies to manage financial risk.

Skills

Financial analysis

Financial reporting

Compliance

Risk management

Education

Relevant accounting qualification

Job description

We are recruiting an Accountant to play a key role in supporting the Chief Finance Officer (CFO) and Finance Director (FD) in overseeing central finance operations for Shaw Education Trust, which includes 31 schools. You will manage the day‑to‑day activities of the central finance support partner and finance assistant, ensuring all financial processes are efficient, accurate, and delivered on time.

In this role, you will collaborate with teams across the Trust to ensure financial procedures align with the requirements of the Academies Financial Handbook and the Trust's Financial Scheme of Delegation. You will support schools in developing strategies to manage financial risk, ensure compliance, and maintain the accuracy and integrity of financial information and reporting across the Trust.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare monthly financial reports
• Contribute to the production of annual financial statements
• Complete statutory and internal financial returns
• Manage day‑to‑day activities of the central finance support partner and finance assistant
• Collaborate with teams to align financial procedures with the Academies Financial Handbook and the Trust's Financial Scheme of Delegation
• Support schools in developing strategies to manage financial risk and maintain compliance

Join Shaw Education Trust – Support, Teach, Lead… Make the Remarkable Happen

At Shaw Education Trust, we believe every role holds the power to transform a life. Whether you are supporting behind the scenes, inspiring in the classroom, or leading with vision, you’ll be part of something extraordinary.

We are a dynamic and growing family of Primary, Secondary, and Special Schools, proudly serving communities from Birmingham to Bury. Our mission is to unlock opportunity for every young person—whatever their background, ability, or starting point.

Our people are our greatest asset, and we are deeply committed to their growth. Through high‑quality training, apprenticeships, talent acceleration, and research opportunities, we empower our staff to thrive as skilled, confident professionals and we champion wellbeing, value every voice, and create a culture where you feel supported, motivated, and inspired to make a real difference.

You will join a collaborative network of schools where shared expertise and professional community fuel success. Every academy in our Trust has an equal voice, and every colleague plays a vital part in shaping tailored learning experiences that raise aspirations and build brighter futures.

At the heart of our work is a deep respect for the children and young adults we serve—their “precious cargo.” We are proud to ‘exactly like nothing else’ and bridge the gap between education and the wider world, preparing every student for further education, employment, or training in inclusive environments where integrity, equality, and opportunity thrive.

If you have the heart, passion, and drive to help shape lives and create futures filled with promise, we would love you to join our incredible team.

Support. Teach. Lead. Belong. Thrive.

Together, let’s make the remarkable happen.

Benefits

• An excellent Local Government Pension Scheme (Support Staff) / Teachers Pension (Teaching Staff)
• Support Staff only based on working full time, all year – Generous holiday entitlement from your first day of employment (37 days holiday rising to 39 days after 5 years' service including Bank Holidays)
• Access to Medicash Health & Wellbeing Plan: Enjoy health services designed to support your wellbeing.
• Free DiscountForTeachers Scheme for all staff (Support and Teaching) – Exclusive discounts to save money with a wide selection of discounts and exclusive offers from hundreds of the biggest brands.
• Free Eye Tests
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Access to our Institute of Education and fantastic opportunities to help you grow, contribute and flourish in your role and in the Trust.

We know our people are the key to our success and so we're committed to ensuring the employment experience at Shaw Education Trust is a rewarding one.

Working hours: 37 hours a week, full time, all year – 9am – 5pm (Negotiable)

Start date: 1st February 2025

Location: SET Head Office located at Kidsgrove Secondary School site