Accountant

Shaw Education Trust; Newcastle-under-Lyme; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

An educational organization in the UK is seeking an experienced Accountant to support the CFO and Finance Director. The role involves managing financial processes, preparing reports, and ensuring operational efficiency in finance for a multi-school setting. The ideal candidate should have strong organizational skills and attention to detail, working collaboratively to deliver timely financial services. This position offers meaningful benefits, including a generous pension scheme and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

Excellent Local Government Pension Scheme

Generous holiday entitlement

Access to Medicash Health & Wellbeing Plan

DiscountForTeachers Scheme

Free Eye Tests

Cycle to work scheme

Opportunities for professional growth

Qualifications

• Experience in managing financial processes and reporting.
• Strong capability in overseeing finance operations and ensuring accuracy.
• Ability to work collaboratively with finance teams.

Responsibilities

• Prepare monthly financial reports and manage statutory returns.
• Support the CFO and FD in overseeing finance operations.
• Ensure financial processes are efficient, accurate, and timely.

Skills

Attention to detail

Organisational skills

Stakeholder engagement

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.

Key Responsibilities

Key responsibilities include preparing monthly financial reports, contributing to the production of annual financial statements, and completing a range of statutory and internal financial returns. This is a pivotal role that requires exceptional attention to detail, strong organisational skills, and the ability to work effectively with multiple stakeholders.

At Shaw Education Trust, we believe every role holds the power to transform a life. Whether you're 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—the “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.

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 well-being.
• 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.