Cluster Finance Officer

Inova Multi Academy Trust Limited; Sheffield; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

INOVA Multi-Academy Trust Sheffield invites applications for a Cluster Finance Officer to support a network of primary and secondary schools. You will manage day-to-day transactional finance, accounts payable and receivable, and provide practical, accurate financial guidance to school leaders and managers.

Reporting to the Strategic Finance Business Partner, you will help maintain strong financial controls, assist with month-end processes, and contribute to audits.

Qualifications

• Experience in a transactional finance role covering accounts payable and/or accounts receivable.
• Excellent attention to detail with high accuracy.
• Strong organisational skills and ability to meet deadlines.
• Confidently communicate with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Collaborative approach and proactive problem solving.
• Interest in developing towards a finance qualification such as AAT.

Responsibilities

• Manage accounts payable including purchase orders, supplier management and invoices.
• Support accounts receivable activities including invoicing and debt recovery.
• Perform bank, creditor, debtor and balance sheet reconciliations.
• Assist with month-end and year-end finance processes.
• Provide finance guidance to school-based colleagues.
• Support audit requirements and ensure compliance with financial regulations.
• Identify opportunities to improve systems, processes and controls.

Skills

Transactional finance experience

Attention to detail

Strong organisational skills

Stakeholder communication

Proactive and collaborative

Finance qualification interest (AAT)

Education

AAT qualification desired

Tools

Finance systems

Job description

Cluster Finance Officer

INOVA Multi-Academy Trust Sheffield | Primary and Secondary Schools NJC Grade 5 SCP 15-20 | £30,024 - £32,597Full-Time | 52 Weeks Per Year

Apply by: 9:00am on Monday 21st September 2026

Please note that all applications need to go via the TES application link. Part completed applications will not be accepted - please complete all required fields

We encourage early applications, as we reserve the right to close this vacancy before the advertised closing date should a high volume of suitable applications be received.

Make a Difference Across Our Schools

INOVA Multi-Academy Trust is seeking a talented and proactive Cluster Finance Officer to join our growing Finance Team. Supporting a cluster of primary and secondary academies across Sheffield, this is an exciting opportunity for an Finance professional who is passionate about people, education, and making a positive impact.

Our Trust comprises nine schools serving diverse communities across Sheffield. Guided by our values of Innovation, Collaboration and Excellence, we are committed to creating outstanding environments where both pupils and colleagues can thrive.

About the Role

We are seeking a highly organised and detail-focused Cluster Finance Officer to join our finance team. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced finance professional who enjoys working in a varied role, building strong relationships with stakeholders and helping schools manage their finances effectively.

As Cluster Finance Officer, you will be the trusted first point of contact for school leaders and managers, providing practical, solutions-focused support across a wide range of financial matters. You will work closely with Headteachers and leadership teams to ensure our colleagues receive a high-quality finance service that is professional, consistent and compliant with academy financial regulations.

Reporting to the Strategic Finance Business Partner, you will provide comprehensive finance support to a cluster of schools across the Trust. You will play a key role in maintaining strong financial controls, ensuring accurate financial records, supporting cashflow management and contributing to positive audit outcomes.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Managing accounts payable processes, including purchase orders, supplier management and invoice processing.
• Supporting accounts receivable activities, including sales invoicing, income allocation and debt recovery.
• Completing bank, creditor, debtor and balance sheet reconciliations.
• Supporting month-end and year-end finance processes.
• Providing finance guidance and support to school-based colleagues.
• Assisting with audit requirements and ensuring compliance with Trust financial regulations.
• Identifying opportunities to improve systems, processes and financial controls.

About You

We are looking for someone who has:

• Experience in a transactional finance role covering accounts payable and/or accounts receivable.
• Excellent attention to detail and a high level of accuracy.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing deadlines.
• Confidence in communicating with a wide range of stakeholders and explaining financial processes clearly.
• A proactive and collaborative approach to work.
• A commitment to professional development, with an interest in working towards a finance qualification such as AAT.

Experience within a school, Multi Academy Trust or public sector finance environment would be advantageous, as would familiarity with finance systems.

Safeguarding

INOVA Multi-Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to satisfactory safeguarding and pre-employment checks, including an enhanced DBS check.

Join us and help shape a positive employee experience across our schools, enabling every colleague and every pupil to thrive.